Is Belgrade, Montana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Belgrade, Montana, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Gallatin County and the City of Belgrade, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in certain residential zones. Contact Belgrade's Planning Department to understand specific requirements, which typically include business licenses, occupancy permits, and compliance with fire safety codes. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Belgrade's market, focusing on areas near Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport or downtown Belgrade for maximum appeal to travelers visiting Yellowstone National Park. Once you secure a property, furnish it with durable, comfortable furniture from retailers like Costco in Bozeman or online suppliers, ensuring you include essentials like quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks featuring nearby attractions like Yellowstone and Big Sky Resort. Create your listing on Airbnb with professional photos highlighting mountain views and proximity to outdoor activities, setting competitive rates based on Belgrade's seasonal tourism patterns (higher during summer months May-September). For ongoing management, establish relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you live out of state, while maintaining compliance with Montana's lodging tax requirements and any applicable Gallatin County tourism taxes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Belgrade, Montana, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Bozeman for business travelers and near outdoor recreation access points like the Gallatin River, Bridger Mountains, or Yellowstone National Park entrances. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1990 with mountain views, outdoor spaces, hot tubs, and modern amenities that can command $150-300 per night depending on season and proximity to attractions. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, noting that summer rates (June-September) typically run 40-60% higher than winter months due to fishing, hiking, and Yellowstone tourism. Research competition by studying occupancy rates and reviews of existing STRs within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved price points. Utilize local resources including Gallatin County planning department for zoning regulations, Belgrade Chamber of Commerce for tourism data, and connect with local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa who understand seasonal demand patterns driven by Montana State University events, outdoor recreation seasons, and proximity to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Belgrade, Montana, you must first contact the Belgrade City Hall at 104 N Broadway or call (406) 388-4212 to inquire about their short-term rental licensing requirements, as regulations were implemented around 2021-2022. You'll need to submit a completed business license application along with a short-term rental permit application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, submit a floor plan of the rental unit, provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), and include contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of Belgrade. Required documents also include a fire safety inspection certificate from the Belgrade Fire Department and compliance with zoning requirements (most residential zones allow STRs with proper permits). The application fee is approximately $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $100-150. You must also register for a Montana business license through the Secretary of State's office and obtain a Montana lodging facility use tax license. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks for processing once all documents are submitted, including scheduling and completing the required fire safety inspection. Belgrade requires STRs to maintain occupancy limits based on bedrooms plus two additional guests, provide adequate parking (typically two spaces minimum), and comply with noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Belgrade, Montana, but operate under Gallatin County's regulations since Belgrade is an unincorporated community. As of 2023, Gallatin County requires STR operators to obtain a conditional use permit and business license, with properties limited to a maximum occupancy based on septic system capacity and parking availability. The county prohibits STRs in certain residential zones and requires a 300-foot separation between STR properties in some areas. Operators must collect local option taxes, maintain liability insurance, and provide 24/7 contact information for noise complaints. Recent changes in 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased application fees due to growing concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts from the area's rapid growth driven by proximity to Bozeman and Big Sky resort areas.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Belgrade, Montana include the historic downtown district along Main Street, which attracts visitors to local restaurants, shops, and cultural events, and the residential neighborhoods near Belgrade Community Park that offer family-friendly accommodations for tourists exploring nearby Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park. The area around Belgrade Airport (approximately 8 miles from downtown) presents opportunities for business travelers and those seeking convenient access to flights, while properties near the Gallatin River corridor appeal to fishing enthusiasts and outdoor recreation visitors. The neighborhoods along Jackrabbit Lane and Cameron Bridge Road offer scenic rural settings that attract guests seeking authentic Montana experiences, particularly during summer months when tourism peaks due to proximity to Yellowstone (about 90 minutes away) and year-round business travel to the greater Bozeman area. These locations benefit from Belgrade's growing population, its position as a gateway to major Montana attractions, and increasing demand from both leisure travelers exploring Big Sky country and business visitors to the region's expanding tech and agriculture sectors.

In Belgrade, Montana, Airbnb hosts are subject to Montana's statewide lodging facility use tax of 3% on gross receipts, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 30 days. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit the local resort tax if applicable, though Belgrade's specific local lodging tax rate is typically around 3-4% based on similar Montana municipalities. The Montana Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a lodging facility license and file monthly returns by the 15th of the following month, remitting taxes collected from guests. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some cases through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. There are generally no exemptions for stays under 30 days, though stays of 30 days or longer are typically exempt from lodging taxes as they're considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations. Hosts should also verify any additional Gallatin County lodging taxes that may apply, as county-level taxes can add another 1-2% to the total tax burden.

To start an Airbnb in Belgrade, Montana, the total initial costs would be approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in the Belgrade area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs for a complete 2-3 bedroom property would range $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies would be around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Gallatin County including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees would total approximately $500-$1,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would cost $2,000-$3,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would require $1,000-$1,500 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($800/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover, estimated 15 turnovers), maintenance and supplies ($300/month), platform fees (3% of estimated $4,000 monthly revenue), and property management software would total approximately $8,500-$12,000, bringing the complete startup investment to nearly half a million dollars in this rapidly growing Montana market.

Airbnb properties in Belgrade, Montana show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-150 depending on property type and location proximity to outdoor recreation areas. A typical 2-bedroom home generating $45,000-65,000 annually faces expenses including mortgage payments ($1,200-1,800/month), property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250/month), insurance ($2,000-3,500/year), and maintenance reserves (5-10% of revenue), resulting in net profit margins of 15-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to Yellowstone National Park (90 minutes away), fishing access on the Gallatin River, and targeting outdoor enthusiasts visiting during peak summer months when occupancy rates reach 70-85% compared to 35-50% in winter. Properties near downtown Belgrade or with unique amenities like hot tubs consistently outperform standard rentals, with some hosts reporting $8,000-12,000 annual net profits on properties purchased for $350,000-450,000, though seasonal fluctuations and Montana's tourism patterns significantly impact year-round viability compared to urban markets.

Airbnb investments in Belgrade, Montana typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park which attracts year-round tourism. Properties in Belgrade generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with peak summer months (June-September) generating 60-70% of annual revenue due to outdoor recreation demand. The market benefits from lower property acquisition costs compared to Bozeman while maintaining strong occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with average daily rates of $150-250 depending on property size and amenities. Investors typically see break-even on initial investment within 6-8 years, with properties appreciating 4-6% annually while generating consistent rental income from both leisure travelers visiting nearby attractions and business travelers to the Bozeman area.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Belgrade, Montana. In the Belgrade area, local real estate agents like those at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Montana Properties and ERA Landmark Arrow Real Estate have experience with investment properties and vacation rentals. Gallatin Valley Land Company and Big Sky Real Estate also serve the Belgrade market with agents knowledgeable about rental investment opportunities. National services include AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, and Awning for short-term rental investment guidance. Local property management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa can provide insights into profitable properties while offering management services. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Montana markets. Local mortgage brokers and lenders like First Interstate Bank and Stockman Bank understand investment property financing in the area. Property inspection services and vacation rental consultants in the Bozeman-Belgrade corridor can also assist investors in evaluating potential Airbnb acquisitions for profitability in this growing Montana market.