Is Bellevue, Idaho Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bellevue, Idaho, begin by researching local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations through Blaine County planning department, as Bellevue falls under county jurisdiction and typically requires a conditional use permit for vacation rentals in residential zones. Contact Blaine County Planning and Zoning at (208) 788-5557 to obtain the necessary conditional use permit application, which costs approximately $500-800 and requires neighbor notification and potential public hearing. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with vacation rental regulations, focusing on areas zoned for tourist accommodation or where conditional use permits are more readily approved, with property prices ranging from $400,000-1,200,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with durable, mountain-appropriate furniture and amenities including high-speed internet, outdoor gear storage, and seasonal items like ski equipment storage or summer recreation gear, budgeting $15,000-30,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting Wood River Valley attractions and proximity to Sun Valley Resort, setting competitive rates of $150-400 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by either hiring local management companies like Sun Valley Property Management or handling it yourself, ensuring compliance with Idaho state tax requirements including 6% sales tax collection, maintaining proper insurance coverage, and providing 24/7 guest support while adhering to occupancy limits and noise ordinances specific to Blaine County regulations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bellevue, Idaho, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Sun Valley Resort and Ketchum, prioritizing properties with mountain or valley views near skiing, hiking trails, and the Big Wood River. Target 3-4 bedroom homes or condos with 2+ bathrooms, hot tubs, fireplaces, updated kitchens, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate 6-10 guests, as these command premium rates of $200-400+ per night during peak ski season (December-March) and summer months (June-September). Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 5-mile radius, noting that successful STRs in Bellevue typically achieve 60-75% occupancy rates with average daily rates 20-30% higher than Hailey or Ketchum due to lower competition and proximity to attractions. Research competition by monitoring 50+ active listings in Blaine County, identifying gaps in luxury amenities or unique property features, while using tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, and STR Helper to analyze revenue potential, seasonal trends, and market saturation. Leverage local resources including Blaine County planning department for zoning compliance, Sun Valley Economic Development for tourism data, and connect with local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa who understand Bellevue's specific market dynamics and can provide insights on properties generating $40,000-80,000+ annually.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bellevue, Idaho, contact the Blaine County Planning and Zoning Department at 206 1st Avenue South, Suite 200, Hailey, ID 83333, as Bellevue falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Submit a completed Conditional Use Permit application along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, parking plan showing adequate spaces, septic system approval if applicable, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. Required documents include a business license from Idaho Secretary of State, liability insurance certificate with minimum $1 million coverage, fire safety inspection certificate, and neighbor notification forms. The application fee is approximately $500-750 with additional inspection fees of $150-200. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days including a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Bellevue-specific requirements include maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity, mandatory 24-hour local contact person, compliance with residential parking standards (typically 2 spaces minimum), adherence to noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and annual permit renewal with inspection. Properties must maintain residential character and cannot exceed 30% of units in any residential area being used as short-term rentals.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Bellevue, Idaho, but operate under Blaine County's regulations since the small resort town falls within the county's jurisdiction. As of 2023, Blaine County requires STR operators to obtain a conditional use permit and business license, with properties limited to a maximum occupancy based on bedroom count plus two additional guests. The county prohibits STRs in certain residential zones and requires a minimum 48-hour rental period to distinguish from nightly hotel-style accommodations. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have tightened enforcement and increased application fees due to community concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts, particularly given Bellevue's proximity to Sun Valley and Ketchum's tourism markets. Properties must meet specific parking requirements, noise ordinances, and waste management standards, with violations subject to fines and permit revocation. The regulations aim to balance tourism revenue with preserving residential character in this small community of approximately 2,300 residents.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bellevue, Idaho include the Sun Valley Resort vicinity, particularly properties within 2-3 miles of the resort base, which attracts year-round visitors for world-class skiing in winter and mountain biking, hiking, and festivals in summer. The historic downtown Ketchum area, adjacent to Bellevue, offers strong rental potential due to its walkable village atmosphere, upscale dining, and proximity to both Sun Valley Resort and Bald Mountain. Properties near the Wood River Trail system are highly desirable as they provide easy access to the 30-mile paved recreation path popular with cyclists and runners. The Warm Springs area benefits from its location near the Warm Springs ski lifts and offers a more residential feel while maintaining resort access. Areas close to Friedman Memorial Airport see consistent demand from business travelers and tourists seeking convenient access, while properties with views of the Pioneer Mountains or Sawtooth Range command premium rates. The combination of Sun Valley's reputation as a luxury destination, consistent corporate retreats, major events like the Sun Valley Film Festival, and year-round outdoor recreation creates strong occupancy rates, with peak seasons during ski season (December-March) and summer months (June-September) when properties can achieve daily rates of $300-800 depending on size and amenities.

Airbnb properties in Bellevue, Idaho are subject to Idaho state sales tax at 6% and local option tax which varies by jurisdiction but typically ranges from 1-3% in Blaine County where Bellevue is located, bringing the total lodging tax to approximately 7-9%. The Idaho State Tax Commission requires short-term rental operators to register for a sales tax permit and collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in. Taxes must be remitted monthly if collections exceed $100 per month, otherwise quarterly remittance is acceptable, with returns due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period. Blaine County may impose additional transient room taxes of 2-4% which are collected similarly and remitted to the county treasurer. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may exempt rentals under a certain dollar threshold per month. Airbnb as a platform may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some cases through voluntary collection agreements with the state, but property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance and should verify their specific tax obligations with both the Idaho State Tax Commission and Blaine County tax authorities.

To start an Airbnb in Bellevue, Idaho, expect total costs around $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $400,000-$480,000 based on median home prices in the Wood River Valley area. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$350 monthly or $1,200-$2,100 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, property management software, and marketing total approximately $4,000-$8,000. Additional considerations include potential property management fees if outsourced (typically 20-30% of revenue), ongoing maintenance reserves, and seasonal fluctuations in this ski resort area that may affect occupancy rates and revenue timing.

Airbnb properties in Bellevue, Idaho demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-300 depending on property size and amenities, generating annual revenues of $35,000-65,000 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-125 per turnover), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-10% of revenue), resulting in net profit margins of 25-40% for successful operators. Success factors include proximity to Sun Valley Resort (20 minutes away), seasonal demand peaks during ski season (December-March) and summer recreation months (June-September), professional photography, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing adjustments. A typical 3-bedroom mountain cabin purchased for $450,000 in 2021 by Mountain View Properties LLC generated $52,000 in gross revenue with $18,000 in expenses, yielding a 7.6% cash-on-cash return plus property appreciation of 12% that year, while smaller 2-bedroom condos near Wood River average $38,000 annual revenue with profit margins around 30% after accounting for HOA fees and higher per-unit management costs.

Based on Bellevue, Idaho market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% depending on property type and location proximity to Sun Valley Resort. Properties within 10 miles of Sun Valley ski area command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak winter season (December-March) and $150-250 during summer months, while properties further out average $120-200 nightly. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 6-8 years for well-positioned properties, with break-even on operating cash flow achieved in 18-24 months. Higher-end properties ($800K-1.5M) near Ketchum or Sun Valley village show stronger performance with 15-20% annual returns, while more affordable properties ($400K-700K) in Bellevue proper deliver steadier 10-14% returns with lower vacancy risk due to year-round demand from outdoor recreation visitors and seasonal workers.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Bellevue, Idaho. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Sun Valley with agents like Sarah Mitchell and Tom Bradley who focus on vacation rental investments, while Coldwell Banker Tomlinson has agents such as Jennifer Walsh specializing in Airbnb properties. Sun Valley Real Estate Group offers dedicated investment property services for the Wood River Valley area including Bellevue. National services include Awning which provides full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance, RedAwning for vacation rental property sourcing, and Vacasa which offers market analysis for potential Airbnb investments. Local property management companies like Sun Valley Property Management and Wood River Valley Rentals provide insights on profitable rental properties, while investment-focused firms such as Mountain West Real Estate Investments and Idaho Vacation Rental Advisors specialize in identifying high-performing short-term rental opportunities in the Bellevue market, leveraging the area's proximity to Sun Valley ski resort and outdoor recreation activities.