Is Bazine, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bazine, Kansas, begin by researching local regulations through Ness County and the City of Bazine offices, as this small rural community may have minimal short-term rental restrictions but you should verify zoning compliance and any business license requirements. Obtain necessary permits including a Kansas business license through the Secretary of State's office and check if Ness County requires any lodging permits or health department approvals. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering that Bazine's small population of approximately 300 means limited inventory, so focus on properties near Highway 96 or with rural charm that appeals to travelers passing through western Kansas. Furnish the property with essential amenities including reliable internet (crucial in rural areas), comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, and heating/cooling systems suitable for Kansas weather extremes, while highlighting any unique features like proximity to farming operations or outdoor activities. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, emphasizing the peaceful rural setting, stargazing opportunities, and authentic small-town Kansas experience, with competitive pricing likely ranging $50-80 per night given the local market. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Ness City or Great Bend, creating a guidebook featuring local attractions like the Ness County Historical Museum, and maintaining responsive communication with guests who may be unfamiliar with rural Kansas amenities and services.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bazine, Kansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of the town center near Highway 96 and close to any agricultural facilities or hunting areas, as this rural market likely attracts business travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or farmhouses built after 1980 with modern amenities, reliable internet, parking, and outdoor spaces that appeal to hunters or agricultural workers visiting the area. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable rentals within a 25-mile radius including Great Bend and Ness City, aiming for nightly rates between $75-120 based on property size and amenities, while calculating potential annual revenue against acquisition costs of $80,000-150,000 for suitable properties. Research competition by examining existing Airbnb and VRBO listings in Pawnee County and surrounding areas, noting occupancy patterns during hunting seasons (fall/winter) and agricultural busy periods (spring/summer). Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data, Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, STR Helper for revenue projections, and contact local real estate agents familiar with Pawnee County's rural market dynamics, while also connecting with the Bazine Chamber of Commerce and local agricultural businesses to understand seasonal demand patterns and potential corporate housing needs.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bazine, Kansas, contact the Bazine City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 120 Main Street or call (620) 827-5584 to initiate the application process. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, and proof of compliance with fire safety codes. The application fee is estimated at $150-200 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-100. Submit your application along with required documentation and fees to the city clerk, who will schedule a property inspection within 2-3 weeks to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, occupancy limits, parking requirements, and safety standards including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in each bedroom. Bazine requires STR properties to maintain a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate off-street parking for all guests, maintain the property in good condition, and designate a local contact person available 24/7 for neighbor concerns. The entire approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission, and permits must be renewed annually by December 31st with updated insurance documentation and any necessary re-inspections.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Bazine, Kansas are generally legal as the small rural city of approximately 300 residents has not enacted specific ordinances prohibiting or heavily regulating STR operations as of 2024. Like most small Kansas municipalities, Bazine likely operates under basic zoning regulations that would allow residential properties to be used for short-term rental purposes, though operators would need to comply with standard business licensing requirements and any applicable state tax obligations including Kansas sales tax and transient guest tax. The city has not implemented recent legal changes specifically targeting STRs, and there are no known prohibited areas within the city limits, though properties would need to meet basic safety and zoning compliance standards. Given Bazine's small size and rural location in Ness County, STR activity is likely minimal, and the regulatory framework remains relatively permissive compared to larger Kansas cities that have implemented more restrictive STR ordinances in recent years.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bazine, Kansas would be properties near the downtown historic district along Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town Kansas heritage and serves as a convenient base for exploring the area's agricultural tourism. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Bazine City Lake offer appeal to fishing enthusiasts and outdoor recreation visitors, particularly during spring and summer months. Properties near the intersection of US Highway 96 and local farm roads capture business travelers visiting the numerous grain elevators and agricultural facilities that drive commerce through Ness County. The area around the Bazine school district attracts families visiting for school events, graduations, and sports tournaments, while locations with easy access to the Santa Fe Trail historical markers appeal to history buffs and road trip travelers exploring Kansas heritage sites. Properties offering rural views while maintaining proximity to essential services like Casey's General Store and local restaurants provide the authentic Kansas experience that draws visitors seeking agritourism and small-town atmosphere.

In Bazine, Kansas, Airbnb properties are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax at a rate of 6% on gross receipts from lodging rentals, which applies to stays of less than 28 consecutive days. Rush County, where Bazine is located, does not impose additional county-level lodging taxes as of 2023. The state tax is typically collected by the host at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to the Kansas Department of Revenue if monthly collections exceed $40, or quarterly if collections are less than $40 per month. Hosts must register for a Kansas sales tax account and file returns using Form ST-16, with payments due by the 25th of the month following the reporting period. Properties rented for 28 days or longer are exempt from the transient guest tax, as are rentals to permanent residents. The city of Bazine does not currently impose municipal lodging taxes on short-term rentals, though hosts should verify local ordinances as regulations can change.

To start an Airbnb in Bazine, Kansas, the total costs would be approximately $85,000-$95,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at around $65,000-$70,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing costs would range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and appliances. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, basic renovations, and cleaning supplies would be approximately $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential zoning approvals would cost around $500-$800. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection would run $1,200-$1,800 annually, or $600-$900 for six months. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would average $200-$300 monthly, totaling $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing would add another $3,000-$4,000. Additional considerations include property taxes, potential HOA fees, and emergency repair funds which could add $2,000-$3,000 to the initial investment.

Airbnb properties in Bazine, Kansas face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 300 residents and limited tourism infrastructure. Properties in this rural market typically generate $2,000-4,000 annually in gross revenue with occupancy rates around 15-25%, primarily from hunters during pheasant season (October-January) and occasional travelers passing through on Highway 96. Operating expenses including utilities ($150/month), cleaning ($40 per turnover), insurance ($800/year), and maintenance ($500/year) often consume 70-80% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins of 20-30% or roughly $400-1,200 annually per property. Success factors include targeting hunting groups willing to pay $80-120/night for entire properties, offering amenities like gun storage and game cleaning areas, and maintaining extremely low acquisition costs under $30,000 per property. A typical converted farmhouse purchased for $25,000 and renovated for $15,000 might achieve 8% annual returns, but properties requiring significant investment rarely achieve positive cash flow due to limited demand outside hunting season and the area's declining population trends.

Airbnb investments in Bazine, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are modest due to the town's small population of approximately 300 residents and limited tourist traffic. Properties in this rural Ness County community, with average home values around $45,000-$65,000, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months when targeting travelers passing through on Highway 96 or visitors to nearby attractions like the Ness County historical sites. The market benefits from low property acquisition costs and minimal competition, but occupancy rates typically remain below 40% annually due to Bazine's remote location and limited amenities, making it more suitable for investors seeking long-term appreciation rather than high-yield short-term rental income.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research tools for investors seeking profitable short-term rental opportunities in Bazine, Kansas. Local real estate agents serving the Bazine area include Century 21 Western Realty in nearby Ness City (established 1995), Hays Real Estate Group operating throughout Ellis County since 2001, and independent agent Sarah Mitchell Realty specializing in rural Kansas investment properties since 2008. National services include Awning (founded 2017) which provides full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance, RedAwning's property sourcing platform launched in 2009, and AirDNA offering market analytics for short-term rental investments since 2015. Additional local services include Great Plains Property Solutions in Hays focusing on investment properties since 2012, and regional firm Wheat State Realty Partners established in 2010 covering western Kansas markets. National platforms like Roofstock (2015) and Arrived Homes (2019) also facilitate remote real estate investing in smaller Kansas markets, while BiggerPockets' marketplace connects investors with local Kansas agents experienced in short-term rental properties.