Is Boulder, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Boulder, Wyoming, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Sublette County's planning department, as Boulder falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control. Contact Sublette County at (307) 367-4372 to verify short-term rental requirements, which typically include business license registration and potential conditional use permits for residential properties used commercially. Obtain necessary permits including a Wyoming business license through the Secretary of State's office, sales tax permit from the Wyoming Department of Revenue, and any required fire safety inspections. Find suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Sublette County regulations, focusing on properties zoned for commercial or mixed-use, or residential properties where short-term rentals are permitted. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture suitable for Wyoming's climate, including quality bedding, kitchen essentials, outdoor gear storage, and reliable heating systems for harsh winters. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to outdoor activities like those near the Wind River Range, Pinedale, and Green River, emphasizing the rural Wyoming experience. For management, establish relationships with local cleaning services in the Pinedale area (the nearest larger town), install keyless entry systems due to the remote location, create detailed check-in instructions accounting for limited cell service, and develop partnerships with local maintenance providers who can respond to issues in this sparsely populated region of western Wyoming.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Boulder, Wyoming, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like the Wind River Range, Pinedale, and fishing access points along the Green River, as proximity to outdoor recreation drives demand in this rural market. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, parking for multiple vehicles and trailers, and rustic or mountain-modern aesthetics that appeal to hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts who typically visit during summer and fall seasons. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark nightly rates against comparable properties in Pinedale and Jackson areas, aiming for $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities, while factoring in Wyoming's seasonal occupancy patterns with peak demand June through October. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 30-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting gaps in amenities like hot tubs, game processing areas, or pet-friendly options that could differentiate your property. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local property management companies familiar with Wyoming's STR regulations, and leverage resources from the Sublette County tourism board and Wyoming Office of Tourism to understand visitor trends and seasonal demand patterns specific to this gateway region for Yellowstone and Grand Teton access.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Boulder, Wyoming, contact the Sublette County Planning and Zoning Department at 307-367-4372 or visit their office at 21 South Tyler Avenue in Pinedale, as Boulder falls under Sublette County jurisdiction. Submit a completed short-term rental application form along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate, well water test results if applicable, and liability insurance documentation with minimum $1 million coverage. Pay the application fee of approximately $150-200 plus an annual permit fee of $100-150. The review process typically takes 30-45 days and includes a site inspection by county officials. Boulder-specific requirements include maintaining adequate parking for guests, ensuring compliance with septic system capacity limits, providing emergency contact information to neighbors within 300 feet, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, and maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. Properties must also meet fire safety standards including working smoke detectors in each bedroom and common areas, and carbon monoxide detectors if gas appliances are present.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Boulder, Wyoming, but the city operates under a restrictive regulatory framework implemented in 2019. Boulder requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with specific zoning restrictions that limit rentals primarily to commercial and mixed-use zones, while prohibiting them in most residential neighborhoods. The city caps the total number of STR licenses and requires properties to meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Operators must also maintain liability insurance, provide 24-hour contact information, and ensure rentals don't exceed occupancy limits based on bedroom count. Recent enforcement efforts since 2021 have focused on unlicensed operators, with the city actively monitoring platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to identify non-compliant properties. Boulder's approach reflects broader Wyoming trends where municipalities have increasingly regulated STRs to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood preservation concerns.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Boulder, Wyoming center around the town's proximity to outdoor recreation and its position along major travel corridors. The downtown Boulder area offers the highest potential due to its central location and access to local amenities, attracting visitors exploring the Green River region and those seeking a quiet stopover between major Wyoming destinations. The neighborhoods near Boulder Lake and surrounding recreational areas are particularly attractive for outdoor enthusiasts visiting for fishing, hunting, and camping activities, especially during summer and fall seasons. Properties along Highway 191 benefit from consistent traveler traffic heading to Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, or other Wyoming attractions, making them ideal for overnight stays. The residential areas on the east side of town offer good investment potential due to lower property costs while still providing easy access to the Bridger-Teton National Forest, appealing to adventure travelers and nature photographers. The western outskirts near ranching properties attract visitors interested in authentic Wyoming ranch experiences and agritourism, particularly during cattle drives and seasonal ranch activities.

Boulder, Wyoming does not currently impose specific lodging or occupancy taxes on Airbnb rentals as of 2024, as the small unincorporated community in Sublette County lacks municipal tax authority. However, Airbnb hosts in Boulder must comply with Wyoming state sales tax of 4% on short-term rental income, which is collected by the Wyoming Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly if gross receipts exceed $750 per month. Sublette County does not impose additional lodging taxes, though hosts should register for a Wyoming sales tax license and file returns through the state's online portal. Some nearby municipalities like Jackson impose lodging taxes ranging from 2-8%, but these do not apply to Boulder properties. Exemptions may apply for rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are generally not subject to transient lodging taxes, and certain agricultural or ranch-related accommodations may qualify for exemptions under Wyoming's agricultural use provisions.

Starting an Airbnb in Boulder, Wyoming requires an initial investment of approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase costs around $425,000 based on median home prices in rural Wyoming markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor runs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities costs $2,000-$3,000. Permits and licensing fees in Sublette County are minimal at $200-$500 annually. Short-term rental insurance adds $1,200-$2,000 per year. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and propane heating total $1,500-$2,500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($300/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) amount to approximately $4,500. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes averaging $3,000-$4,000 annually, and a recommended cash reserve of $10,000-$15,000 for unexpected repairs and vacancy periods in this seasonal mountain market.

Airbnb properties in Boulder, Wyoming typically generate annual revenues of $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $120-$200 depending on proximity to outdoor recreation areas and seasonal demand peaks during summer hiking and winter skiing months. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$5,000 yearly. Properties within 30 minutes of Jackson Hole or near popular hiking trailheads achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% with profit margins of 25-35%, while more remote locations see 45-55% occupancy and 15-25% margins. Success factors include professional photography showcasing mountain views, strategic pricing during peak seasons (July-August and December-February), providing outdoor gear storage, and maintaining consistent 4.8+ star ratings through responsive communication and immaculate cleanliness standards. A typical 3-bedroom cabin purchased for $400,000 with $80,000 in renovations can generate $35,000 annual revenue with $22,000 in expenses, yielding approximately $13,000 net profit representing a 2.7% cash-on-cash return before mortgage considerations.

Airbnb investments in Boulder, Wyoming can expect annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's proximity to outdoor recreation and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 8-14% annually, with properties near skiing areas like those accessible from nearby Jackson Hole commanding higher rates during winter months (December-March) and summer hiking season (June-September). Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates of $150-250 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from consistent demand from outdoor enthusiasts visiting Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Properties with 3+ bedrooms and outdoor amenities like hot tubs or fire pits see the strongest performance, often achieving the higher end of ROI projections due to Boulder's appeal as a base camp for Wyoming's recreational activities.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data. In Boulder, Wyoming, local real estate agents like Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates and Teton County Realty have experience with short-term rental investments, while Century 21 BHJ Realty and RE/MAX of Jackson Hole provide regional expertise in vacation rental properties. National services include Mashvisor for property analytics, AirDNA for market research, and Awning for turnkey Airbnb investments. Local property management companies such as Jackson Hole Property Management and Teton Village Property Management offer investor services, while national platforms like RedAwning and Vacasa provide comprehensive investment and management solutions. Additional resources include BiggerPockets for investor networking, Roofstock for online real estate investing, and local mortgage brokers like First Interstate Bank and Bank of Jackson Hole who understand short-term rental financing in the Wyoming market.