Is Bristol, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bristol, Wisconsin, begin by researching Kenosha County zoning ordinances and Bristol town regulations, as Wisconsin allows local municipalities to regulate short-term rentals and Bristol may require special permits or have restrictions on rental duration and occupancy limits. Contact Bristol Town Hall at (262) 857-2368 to verify current short-term rental requirements, obtain necessary business licenses, and ensure your property is zoned for commercial use if required. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings through local realtors like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX, focusing on areas near Silver Lake or the Chain O' Lakes region which attract tourists, with properties typically ranging $200,000-$400,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality mattresses, linens, kitchen appliances, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $15,000-$25,000 for complete furnishing from retailers like Ashley Furniture in nearby Kenosha or online through Wayfair. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography, competitive pricing around $100-$180 per night based on local market rates, and highlight nearby attractions like Bristol Renaissance Faire, Silver Lake, and proximity to Lake Geneva. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols with local services like Molly Maid Kenosha, implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive guest communication, and ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's 5.5% state sales tax plus Kenosha County's additional lodging taxes on short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bristol, Wisconsin, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Geneva Lake and Lake Como, as these waterfront areas command premium rates year-round with summer peaks reaching $300-500 per night. Target properties built after 1980 with 3-4 bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms, updated kitchens, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, and amenities such as hot tubs, fire pits, or lake access that appeal to Chicago weekend visitors who comprise 60-70% of the market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, typically requiring nightly rates of $150-250 in non-waterfront areas and $250-400 for lakefront properties. Research competition by analyzing 50+ active Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting occupancy rates average 65-75% during peak season (May-September) and 35-45% off-season, with successful properties maintaining 4.7+ star ratings. Utilize Kenosha County property records, Zillow rental estimates, and local vacation rental management companies like Lake Geneva-area property managers to assess market saturation, as Bristol currently has moderate competition with approximately 150-200 active STRs, making it favorable for new entrants who can differentiate through superior amenities and guest experience.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bristol, Wisconsin, contact the Kenosha County Planning and Development Department at 19600 75th Street, Bristol, WI 53104, as Bristol operates under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Submit a completed short-term rental permit application along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $75-100. Required documents also include a Wisconsin Department of Revenue seller's permit for tax collection, contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles, and neighbor notification forms sent to adjacent property owners. The property must comply with county zoning ordinances, maintain adequate parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), meet fire safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days after submission of complete application materials, and permits must be renewed annually by December 31st with updated insurance documentation and compliance certification.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Bristol, Wisconsin are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. The Town of Bristol, located in Kenosha County, typically allows STRs in residential areas but requires operators to obtain proper permits and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency egress requirements, and operators are generally required to register with the town and pay applicable taxes. STRs are typically prohibited in areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use unless specifically permitted, and the town may restrict the number of guests and require on-site management or local contact persons. Recent changes in Wisconsin state law around 2021-2022 have generally favored property owners' rights to operate STRs while still allowing local municipalities like Bristol to impose reasonable regulations related to health, safety, and welfare, though specific recent ordinance changes in Bristol would need verification with current town records.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Bristol, Wisconsin include the downtown historic district near the Bristol Renaissance Faire grounds, which attracts thousands of visitors annually during the summer faire season (July-September), and properties within 2-3 miles of the Bristol Oaks Golf Club and nearby Lake George, appealing to golf enthusiasts and lake recreation visitors. The area around Highway 50 corridor offers excellent accessibility for business travelers visiting nearby Kenosha and Lake Geneva, while properties near the Bristol Woods Golf Course benefit from year-round golf tourism. The residential neighborhoods along 104th Avenue and areas close to the Des Plaines River provide scenic settings attractive to families and couples seeking weekend retreats, particularly those drawn to outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and seasonal festivals. Properties within a 10-minute drive of the Wisconsin-Illinois border capture overflow demand from Chicago-area visitors exploring southeastern Wisconsin's rural attractions, antique shops, and seasonal events.

In Bristol, Wisconsin, Airbnb hosts are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax of 5% on lodging rentals, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days, and this tax must be collected from guests and remitted to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue monthly if monthly collections exceed $100, or quarterly if less. Additionally, Kenosha County imposes a 5% room tax on transient lodging accommodations, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 10% for short-term rental guests. Hosts must register with both the state and county tax authorities, obtain the necessary permits, and file returns even during periods of no activity. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue requires electronic filing and payment for most businesses, while Kenosha County has its own remittance procedures through their treasurer's office. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, rentals to permanent residents, and accommodations provided to certain government employees or tax-exempt organizations, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as they can change and may require proper documentation from guests.

To start an Airbnb in Bristol, Wisconsin, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $250,000-$280,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor to create an appealing guest experience. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations or improvements average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections from Kenosha County and local Bristol authorities. Insurance costs including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection run approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually, so factor $1,000-$1,500 for initial coverage. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 monthly, totaling $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, marketing, and platform fees typically run $3,000-$5,000. Additional considerations include property taxes, potential HOA fees, and emergency repair funds which could add another $2,000-$4,000 to initial startup costs.

Airbnb properties in Bristol, Wisconsin typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $8,000-$18,000 for apartments, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-$50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,400 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% by leveraging Bristol's proximity to Lake Geneva resort area and Wisconsin Dells attractions. Properties within 10 miles of Geneva Lake command premium rates during summer months (May-September), with lakefront or lake-view properties earning 30-50% higher revenues than standard homes. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, strategic pricing during peak tourism seasons, and offering amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or game rooms that appeal to family groups and weekend getaway travelers who frequent the southern Wisconsin lake region.

Based on Bristol, Wisconsin 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 Lake Geneva and other recreational areas command higher returns, with vacation rentals averaging $150-250 per night during peak summer months and $80-120 during off-season. Initial investment recovery generally occurs within 7-10 years, with most investors reaching profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The proximity to Chicago metropolitan area (approximately 90 minutes) drives consistent weekend and holiday demand, while local attractions like Bristol Renaissance Faire boost seasonal occupancy rates to 65-75% annually, supporting sustainable returns in the 9-11% range for well-managed properties with proper market positioning.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Bristol, Wisconsin. In the Bristol area, local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker Realty and RE/MAX Realty Group have experience with investment properties and vacation rentals near the lakes region. Kenosha-based agents at First Weber Realtors and Shorewest Realtors also serve the Bristol market and understand the seasonal rental dynamics of southeastern Wisconsin. National services include Mashvisor for market analysis, AirDNA for short-term rental data analytics, and Awning which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification and management. RedAwning offers vacation rental investment opportunities, while local property management companies like Lake Geneva area managers extend services to Bristol properties. BiggerPockets marketplace connects investors with Bristol-area deals, and Roofstock has occasionally featured Wisconsin short-term rental investments. Local mortgage brokers familiar with investment properties include those at Associated Bank and Johnson Bank, both with strong Wisconsin presence serving the Bristol market since the early 2000s.