Is Bar Nunn, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bar Nunn, Wyoming, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Town of Bar Nunn Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning classifications. Contact the Town Clerk's office at (307) 472-5958 to obtain necessary business licenses and determine if a conditional use permit is required for short-term rentals in residential areas. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Bar Nunn's market, focusing on areas near Casper for tourist appeal, with average property prices ranging from $200,000-$400,000 as of 2023. Ensure the property meets Wyoming's fire safety codes and obtain required inspections from Natrona County. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture from retailers like Nebraska Furniture Mart in Casper or online suppliers, budgeting $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including linens, kitchen essentials, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Register for Wyoming state taxes through the Department of Revenue and obtain a sales tax license since short-term rentals are subject to state lodging taxes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Casper attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and oil industry accommodations, setting competitive rates around $80-$120 per night based on local market analysis. Implement a management system using Airbnb's tools or third-party services like Guesty, establish cleaning protocols with local service providers, and maintain compliance with ongoing reporting requirements to both Airbnb and Wyoming tax authorities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bar Nunn, Wyoming, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of Casper's downtown area and major employers like Sinclair Oil Refinery, as Bar Nunn serves primarily as a bedroom community for Casper workers and visitors. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or newer townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking, and outdoor spaces that appeal to oil and gas workers, traveling professionals, and families visiting the region. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in Casper and surrounding areas, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on property size and amenities, while calculating potential monthly revenue against mortgage, utilities, cleaning, and management costs. Study competition by examining occupancy rates and reviews of existing STRs within a 10-mile radius, noting gaps in amenities or service quality you could exploit. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data analysis, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, and local resources including the Casper Area Economic Development Alliance for economic trends, Natrona County planning department for zoning regulations, and local property management companies like Wyoming Property Management for operational insights, while monitoring major employers' hiring trends and seasonal patterns related to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation that drive demand in the greater Casper area.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bar Nunn, Wyoming, you must first contact the Bar Nunn Town Hall at 4820 N Wardwell Industrial Ave to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance requirements, as the town implemented STR regulations around 2021-2022. You'll 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, parking plan showing adequate guest parking, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of the property. The application fee is estimated at $150-250 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-100. You must also obtain a Wyoming state business license through the Wyoming Secretary of State's office and register for state and local taxes with the Wyoming Department of Revenue. The approval timeline typically takes 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, during which the town will conduct a safety inspection to ensure compliance with fire codes, occupancy limits, and zoning requirements. Bar Nunn specifically requires STR properties to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate trash collection arrangements, and display the permit number in all advertising materials.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Bar Nunn, Wyoming, as the small town of approximately 2,500 residents does not appear to have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting or heavily regulating STR operations as of 2024. Wyoming state law generally allows property owners to rent their homes for short periods, and Bar Nunn, being a relatively small municipality in Natrona County, likely follows county and state regulations rather than implementing restrictive local STR policies. However, STR operators must still comply with standard business licensing requirements, collect and remit state and local lodging taxes (typically around 4-6% combined), and ensure their properties meet basic safety and zoning requirements for residential areas. There do not appear to be specific prohibited zones within Bar Nunn for STRs, though operators should verify compliance with any homeowners association rules if applicable. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, with most regulatory activity occurring at the county or state level regarding taxation and business registration requirements rather than outright restrictions on STR operations.

Bar Nunn, Wyoming offers limited but focused Airbnb investment opportunities primarily in the residential areas near the Casper metropolitan area, particularly neighborhoods along CY Avenue and around the Bar Nunn Town Park vicinity, which attract visitors due to proximity to Casper's business district and oil industry facilities. The areas near Highway 20/26 corridor are attractive for business travelers working in the energy sector, as Bar Nunn serves as a bedroom community for Casper's substantial oil, gas, and coal operations, with companies like Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy maintaining regional presence since the 2000s. Properties near the eastern residential developments benefit from overflow demand during Casper Events Center activities, College National Finals Rodeo (typically June), and Central Wyoming Fair events, while also serving energy sector contractors and consultants who prefer quieter accommodations outside Casper proper. The town's strategic location provides easy access to outdoor recreation areas including Casper Mountain and North Platte River, making properties with mountain or prairie views particularly appealing to weekend recreational visitors and hunting parties during fall seasons.

Bar Nunn, Wyoming imposes a 4% local lodging tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which is collected in addition to Wyoming's 4% state sales tax for a combined rate of 8% on lodging services. The tax applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and is calculated on the gross receipts from the rental. Airbnb hosts are required to register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and obtain a sales tax license, then collect the tax from guests at the time of booking or payment. Tax remittance must be filed monthly if collections exceed $200 per month, or quarterly for smaller amounts, with payments due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period. The city of Bar Nunn requires separate registration and remittance of the local portion through their municipal offices. Exemptions include rentals to permanent residents (30+ days), certain government employees on official business, and properties rented to the same tenant for more than 30 consecutive days, though documentation must be maintained to support any claimed exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Bar Nunn, Wyoming, the total costs would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but generally include business license ($100-$300), short-term rental permit if required ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($0-$500). Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage average $2,000-$3,500 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable typically cost $800-$1,200 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,800-$2,400), cleaning services ($1,800-$3,000), maintenance and supplies ($1,000-$2,000), platform fees and marketing ($2,000-$3,500), and property management software ($300-$600) total approximately $7,000-$11,500, bringing the complete startup investment to the estimated range.

Airbnb properties in Bar Nunn, Wyoming show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual gross revenue assuming 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance premiums ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-8% of revenue). Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% after expenses, with successful properties achieving $4,000-7,000 in annual net income. Success factors include proximity to Casper's business district (15 minutes away), competitive pricing below Casper hotels, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and targeting oil/gas workers and Casper visitors seeking budget-friendly alternatives. Properties near Thunder Basin National Grassland or with unique ranch-style amenities tend to outperform standard suburban rentals, with some hosts reporting 20-30% higher occupancy by marketing to outdoor enthusiasts and corporate travelers working in Wyoming's energy sector.

Based on Bar Nunn, Wyoming market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near Casper and along major transportation corridors tend to perform better due to oil and gas industry worker demand. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, with break-even on cash investment typically achieved in 3-4 years. The market benefits from consistent demand from energy sector contractors and travelers, though seasonal fluctuations can impact occupancy rates by 15-25% during winter months. Properties purchased in the $150,000-$250,000 range with 20-25% down payments generally achieve the strongest returns, with average daily rates of $85-$120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bar Nunn, Wyoming, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents in the Casper-Bar Nunn area such as those with Century 21, Coldwell Banker, and RE/MAX have experience with investment properties and understand the local market dynamics for vacation rentals. National services like AirDNA provide market analysis and revenue projections for Airbnb properties in Wyoming markets, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools that cover smaller markets including Bar Nunn. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services that can help investors evaluate and manage short-term rental properties in the region. Local property management companies such as Wyoming Property Solutions and High Plains Property Management offer services for investors looking to purchase and operate Airbnb properties in Bar Nunn and surrounding areas. BiggerPockets marketplace and forums connect investors with local professionals who specialize in Wyoming real estate investments, while Roofstock focuses on turnkey rental properties that could potentially be converted to short-term rentals in emerging markets like Bar Nunn.