Is Aspermont, Texas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Aspermont, Texas, begin by researching local regulations through the Stonewall County Clerk's office and Aspermont City Hall, as this small West Texas town of approximately 900 residents may have specific zoning requirements for short-term rentals, though regulations are typically less restrictive than major cities. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the city, sales tax permit from the Texas Comptroller's office, and ensure compliance with any homeowner association rules if applicable. Find property by searching local real estate listings, considering proximity to attractions like the Stonewall County Courthouse or hunting/ranching activities that draw visitors to the area, with average property prices ranging from $50,000-$150,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including reliable Wi-Fi, air conditioning (crucial for Texas summers), comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, and outdoor seating to appeal to hunters, business travelers, and tourists exploring rural Texas. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with competitive pricing around $75-$125 per night based on regional market rates, highlighting unique features like proximity to outdoor activities, historic downtown, or ranch experiences. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating key exchanges (consider a lockbox system given the rural location), and building relationships with local service providers for maintenance and emergency situations, while monitoring occupancy rates and adjusting pricing seasonally to accommodate hunting seasons and local events.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Aspermont, Texas, focus on properties within walking distance of the courthouse square and main commercial district along US Highway 83, as this small county seat attracts business travelers, court visitors, and hunters during deer season (November-January). Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or historic properties built between 1920-1950 that can accommodate 4-6 guests, with essential features including reliable Wi-Fi, central air conditioning, full kitchens, and secure parking, as cellular service can be spotty and guests value connectivity. Pricing analysis should consider the limited competition, with rates typically ranging $80-120 per night during peak hunting season and $60-80 during off-peak periods, positioning slightly below larger nearby markets like San Angelo while emphasizing unique rural charm and proximity to hunting leases. Competition research reveals minimal existing STR inventory due to Aspermont's population of approximately 900, creating opportunity but requiring marketing to broader West Texas regions including Abilene, Lubbock, and Midland metro areas. Utilize AirDNA for market analysis, focus Google Ads on hunting and business travel keywords, partner with local hunting outfitters and oil field service companies for corporate bookings, and leverage VRBO and Airbnb while maintaining direct booking capabilities, as success depends heavily on capturing the seasonal hunting market and weekday business travelers visiting the county courthouse or nearby wind energy projects.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Aspermont, Texas, you will need to contact the Aspermont City Hall at 609 Washington Street or call (940) 989-2616 to inquire about short-term rental regulations and application procedures. Required documents typically include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy ($1,000,000 minimum coverage), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and payment of applicable fees. The estimated application fee ranges from $150-300 annually, with possible additional inspection fees of $50-100. You must ensure the property meets all building codes, fire safety requirements, and zoning regulations for residential areas. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days from submission of complete application materials. Aspermont may require properties to maintain adequate parking spaces, limit occupancy based on bedroom count, display permit numbers in listings, collect and remit local hotel occupancy taxes (estimated 6-7%), and comply with noise ordinances and neighbor notification requirements. Contact the city directly to confirm current regulations as rural Texas municipalities often have varying and evolving STR policies.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Aspermont, Texas, as the small rural town in Stonewall County does not appear to have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting or heavily regulating STR operations as of 2024. Like most small Texas municipalities with populations under 1,000 residents, Aspermont likely relies on basic zoning regulations and state laws rather than comprehensive STR-specific legislation. Property owners can typically operate STRs in residential areas provided they comply with general property use regulations, noise ordinances, and basic safety requirements. There are no known prohibited areas specifically for STRs within the city limits, though operators must ensure compliance with any applicable homeowners association rules and state tax collection requirements including hotel occupancy taxes. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, with most regulatory activity occurring at the state level where Texas has generally maintained a business-friendly approach to short-term rentals while requiring proper tax registration and collection through platforms or direct remittance to local taxing authorities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Aspermont, Texas would be the historic downtown district near the courthouse square and Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's Western heritage and serves as the county seat drawing business travelers for legal and administrative purposes. The residential areas within walking distance of the Stonewall County Museum and historic sites would appeal to heritage tourists and genealogy researchers exploring the area's ranching history. Properties near the rodeo grounds and fairgrounds would benefit from seasonal events and competitions that bring visitors throughout the year. The neighborhoods close to Highway 83 offer convenient access for travelers passing through this rural area and provide easy connectivity to nearby attractions. Areas near local parks and recreational facilities would attract families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the region for hunting, fishing, and rural tourism experiences, while properties with good highway visibility could capture overflow from limited hotel accommodations in this small West Texas community.

Airbnb properties in Aspermont, Texas are subject to the state hotel occupancy tax of 6% on the gross rental receipts, which is automatically collected by Airbnb through their platform and remitted directly to the Texas Comptroller's office on behalf of hosts. Additionally, Stonewall County may impose a local hotel occupancy tax of up to 7%, though the specific rate for unincorporated areas like Aspermont is typically around 2-3%, and this would need to be collected and remitted by individual hosts quarterly to the county tax assessor-collector's office using Form HOT-1000. The City of Aspermont, being a small municipality, likely does not impose an additional city hotel occupancy tax beyond the county rate. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and to certain government and non-profit organization bookings with proper documentation. Hosts are required to obtain a hotel occupancy tax permit from the county before beginning operations and must maintain detailed records of all rental transactions for at least four years.

Starting an Airbnb in Aspermont, Texas requires approximately $85,000-$110,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $65,000-$80,000 based on median home prices in rural West Texas markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor typically costs $8,000-$12,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations runs $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registrations cost approximately $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,200-$1,800 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total around $800-$1,200. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($300/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees on bookings, and marketing expenses amount to approximately $4,500-$6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-60% typical for rural Texas markets.

Airbnb properties in Aspermont, Texas show mixed profitability potential due to the town's small population of approximately 900 residents and limited tourism infrastructure. Average nightly rates range from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, with occupancy rates averaging 35-45% annually, generating gross revenues of $8,000-15,000 per year. Operating expenses typically include property taxes ($1,200-2,500), utilities ($1,800-2,400), cleaning fees ($2,000-3,500), maintenance ($1,500-3,000), insurance ($800-1,200), and Airbnb fees (3% host fee plus guest service fees), totaling $7,300-12,600 annually. Net profit margins generally range from 8-25%, with successful properties leveraging proximity to hunting ranches, oil field worker accommodations, and travelers passing through on Highway 83. Properties within walking distance of downtown or featuring ranch-style amenities tend to perform better, while success factors include competitive pricing below $100/night, quick response times, and catering to extended stays for work crews. A typical 3-bedroom property purchased for $60,000-80,000 might generate $12,000 gross revenue with $9,500 in expenses, yielding $2,500 annual profit, representing a 3-4% return on investment before considering property appreciation.

Based on Aspermont, Texas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and occupancy rates. The small West Texas town benefits from oil industry workers and hunters seeking short-term accommodations, with average daily rates of $75-$120 and occupancy rates around 45-60% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, factoring in property improvements, furnishing costs of $15,000-$25,000, and ongoing operational expenses. Properties purchased under $80,000 and renovated for $20,000-$30,000 show the strongest performance, with gross rental yields of 15-20% before expenses, while net returns after management, cleaning, utilities, and maintenance typically settle at 10-14% annually in this rural market with limited competition but seasonal demand fluctuations.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Aspermont, Texas. Local real estate agents serving the Aspermont area include Coldwell Banker First Equity Realtors and Century 21 offices in nearby Abilene and San Angelo who cover rural West Texas markets. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA offer market analysis and property management specifically for short-term rental investors in smaller Texas markets. Mashvisor and BiggerPockets provide investment property search tools and market data for West Texas rural markets including Stonewall County. Local property management companies such as West Texas Property Solutions and regional firms like Vacasa and AvantStay can handle Airbnb operations for investors. Real estate investment firms like HomeVestors and We Buy Ugly Houses occasionally work with investors seeking rural Texas properties for short-term rental conversion, while platforms like Roofstock and BiggerPockets Marketplace list turnkey rental properties in West Texas markets.