Is Baldwin, North Dakota Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Baldwin, North Dakota, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Burleigh County planning department, as Baldwin falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal regulations. Contact the county clerk's office to determine if short-term rentals require special permits or business licenses, and check if there are occupancy limits or safety requirements specific to rental properties. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Baldwin's small residential market, focusing on homes near recreational areas like the Missouri River or properties that appeal to visitors exploring rural North Dakota. Obtain necessary permits including a North Dakota business license, sales tax permit for collecting lodging taxes, and ensure the property meets fire safety codes and has proper insurance coverage for short-term rentals. Furnish the property with essential amenities including reliable internet, heating systems suitable for North Dakota winters, and basic appliances, sourcing furniture from retailers in nearby Bismarck since Baldwin has limited local options. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos emphasizing the rural charm and outdoor activities available in the area, setting competitive rates based on similar properties within a 50-mile radius since Baldwin has few direct comparisons. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining communication with visitors about local attractions like hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities, and consider hiring a property management service from Bismarck if you're not local, while staying compliant with North Dakota's 5% state lodging tax requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Baldwin, North Dakota, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of key attractions like Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit entrance, as this small town of approximately 25 residents serves primarily as a gateway for park visitors and oil industry workers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with rustic charm, modern amenities, reliable internet, and parking for multiple vehicles, as guests often arrive with recreational equipment for outdoor activities. Pricing analysis should consider seasonal fluctuations with peak rates of $150-250/night during summer months (May-September) when park visitation is highest, and lower rates of $80-120/night during winter, while monitoring competitor properties in nearby Medora (15 miles away) which may charge premium rates of $200-400/night. Competition research reveals limited STR inventory in Baldwin itself, creating opportunity, but requires analyzing properties in Medora, Belfield, and Beach to understand regional pricing and occupancy patterns. Utilize AirDNA for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources like the Billings County Economic Development Corporation and North Dakota Tourism Division for market insights, while considering the area's dual economy of tourism and oil industry temporary housing needs which can provide year-round demand despite the remote location.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Baldwin, North Dakota, you must first contact the Baldwin City Hall or municipal office to inquire about local short-term rental regulations, as many small North Dakota municipalities have adopted STR ordinances since 2020-2022. You'll likely need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, emergency contact information, and parking plan documentation. The application fee typically ranges from $100-300 annually, with some jurisdictions requiring additional inspection fees of $50-150. You may also need to obtain a North Dakota state tax permit through the State Tax Department for collecting and remitting state and local lodging taxes. The approval timeline generally takes 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application, though initial inspections by fire marshal or building officials may extend this period. Baldwin-specific requirements likely include compliance with residential zoning restrictions, maximum occupancy limits based on square footage and bedrooms, designated parking spaces for guests, 24/7 local contact person availability, and adherence to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM, along with annual permit renewal and potential neighbor notification requirements within 200 feet of the property.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Baldwin, North Dakota are generally legal but operate under limited local regulation as Baldwin is a small unincorporated community in Burleigh County with minimal municipal oversight. The area primarily falls under North Dakota state law and Burleigh County regulations, which do not explicitly prohibit STRs but may require basic business licensing and compliance with health and safety codes. Property owners typically need to ensure compliance with state tax requirements, including collecting and remitting state sales tax and local lodging taxes where applicable. There are no specific zoning restrictions prohibiting STRs in residential areas of Baldwin, though operators must comply with general property use regulations and may face restrictions in certain agricultural or industrial zones. Recent changes in North Dakota have focused more on larger municipalities like Fargo and Bismarck rather than small communities like Baldwin, with the state generally maintaining a permissive approach to short-term rental operations while allowing local jurisdictions to implement reasonable regulations for health, safety, and taxation purposes.

The most promising areas for Airbnb investment in Baldwin, North Dakota include the downtown core near Main Street and Highway 83, which attracts business travelers and visitors to local establishments, and properties within walking distance of Baldwin School and community facilities that serve families attending school events and local gatherings. The residential areas along the northern section of town near agricultural facilities draw seasonal workers and agricultural consultants, particularly during planting and harvest seasons from April through October. Properties close to the Baldwin Community Center and park areas appeal to visitors attending local events, family reunions, and youth sports tournaments. The southern residential district near farming operations attracts agribusiness professionals, equipment dealers, and seasonal laborers who prefer short-term accommodations over traditional hotels, especially given Baldwin's limited lodging options and its position as a service hub for surrounding rural communities in Burleigh County.

Baldwin, North Dakota does not impose specific local lodging or occupancy taxes on Airbnb rentals as of 2024, as it is a small unincorporated community in Burleigh County with limited municipal tax infrastructure. However, Airbnb hosts in Baldwin are subject to North Dakota state sales tax of 5% on short-term rental income, which must be collected from guests and remitted monthly to the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner if gross receipts exceed $100,000 annually or 200 transactions, though smaller operators may remit quarterly. Burleigh County does not currently impose county-level lodging taxes, and there are no specific exemptions for short-term rentals under 30 days. Hosts must register for a North Dakota sales tax permit, collect the tax from guests, and file returns using Form SFN 10000, with payments due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period. Since Baldwin lacks incorporated city status, there are no municipal business licenses or additional occupancy fees required, making the state sales tax the primary tax obligation for Airbnb operators in this location.

To start an Airbnb in Baldwin, North Dakota, the total estimated costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural North Dakota communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials would be $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees would total $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $2,000-$3,500 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would be $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($3,600), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800), maintenance and repairs ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($1,000) would total approximately $8,700. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 is recommended for unexpected expenses and initial vacancy periods while building your guest base in this smaller North Dakota market.

Airbnb properties in Baldwin, North Dakota face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 25 residents and extremely limited tourism infrastructure. Properties in this rural area typically generate annual revenues between $2,000-$8,000, with average daily rates of $45-$75 and occupancy rates below 15% annually. Operating expenses including property taxes ($800-$1,500), utilities ($1,200-$2,400), cleaning ($600-$1,200), insurance ($400-$800), and maintenance ($500-$1,000) often total $3,500-$6,900 annually, resulting in profit margins ranging from negative 50% to positive 25%. Success factors are limited but include proximity to Bismarck (45 miles away), competitive pricing for oil workers or hunters during specific seasons, and minimal competition from hotels. Most profitable properties serve as hunting lodges during fall seasons or temporary housing for agricultural workers, with the few successful operators achieving profitability by keeping expenses extremely low and targeting niche markets like outdoor enthusiasts visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park or workers in the Bakken oil fields, though even these properties struggle to maintain consistent year-round occupancy above 20%.

Airbnb investments in Baldwin, North Dakota typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are conservative given the town's small population of approximately 20 residents and limited tourism infrastructure. Properties in Baldwin, located in Burleigh County, generally require 18-24 months to reach profitability due to seasonal demand fluctuations and the rural nature of the market, with average daily rates around $75-95 during peak hunting and outdoor recreation seasons from September through November. The investment landscape is challenging given Baldwin's remote location approximately 30 miles from Bismarck, resulting in occupancy rates typically between 35-45% annually, though investors may see higher returns of 15-18% if targeting niche markets like hunters, oil field workers, or visitors to nearby recreational areas, with break-even points often occurring within the second year of operation assuming initial investment costs of $150,000-200,000 for suitable properties.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Baldwin, North Dakota. In the Baldwin area, local real estate agents like those at Re/Max Results and Century 21 Morrison Realty have experience with investment properties and vacation rentals. Coldwell Banker King and Eide Realty also serve the region and can assist with Airbnb investment acquisitions. National services include AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections, Mashvisor for property analytics, and RedAwning for short-term rental market insights. Local property management companies such as Dakota Property Management and Northern Plains Property Services can provide operational support for Airbnb investments. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Awning (now part of RedAwning) offer turnkey short-term rental properties, though their North Dakota inventory may be limited. Local mortgage brokers and lenders familiar with investment properties include Bell Bank and Gate City Bank, both of which have experience financing rental properties in North Dakota markets.