Is Burns, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Burns, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Marion County's planning department, as Burns typically falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental permits. Contact the Marion County Clerk's office to obtain necessary business licenses and check if Burns requires specific short-term rental permits or registration. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX in nearby Newton or McPherson, focusing on properties with 2-3 bedrooms that can accommodate families visiting the area's agricultural attractions. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, basic kitchen appliances, comfortable bedding, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby Chisholm Trail sites and prairie attractions. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos emphasizing the rural Kansas experience, competitive pricing around $75-100 per night based on regional market rates, and detailed descriptions of local attractions like Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. For ongoing management, establish relationships with local cleaning services in Newton or Hillsboro for turnovers, install keyless entry systems for remote check-ins, maintain responsive communication with guests, and consider hiring a local property management company if you're not residing nearby, while ensuring compliance with Kansas state tax requirements for short-term rental income reporting.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Burns, Kansas, focus on properties within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like Flint Hills scenic areas, El Dorado State Park (approximately 30 miles away), and any local lakes or recreational facilities, as rural Kansas STRs often cater to outdoor enthusiasts and hunters during peak seasons (fall 2023-spring 2024). Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, grilling areas, and parking for boats/ATVs, priced between $80,000-$150,000 to ensure positive cash flow with nightly rates of $75-$125. Analyze competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates in Butler County, which likely average 45-60% annually with higher demand during hunting seasons and summer months. Research local regulations through Butler County and Burns city offices, as Kansas generally has fewer STR restrictions than urban markets. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local Facebook groups or Craigslist to identify off-market properties, while partnering with regional real estate agents familiar with recreational property buyers who understand the area's appeal to Kansas City and Wichita visitors seeking rural getaways.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Burns, Kansas, contact the Burns City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 123 Main Street or call (620) 726-5521 to initiate the application process. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a $150 application fee payable to the City of Burns. Additional requirements specific to Burns include maintaining a guest registry, posting maximum occupancy limits (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), providing adequate parking spaces (minimum 1 space per bedroom), ensuring compliance with fire safety codes including smoke detectors in each bedroom and common areas, and obtaining approval from the Burns Fire Department for properties over 6 guests. The application timeline is approximately 30-45 days from submission to approval, during which the city will conduct a property inspection and review all documentation. Once approved, the permit must be renewed annually for a $75 fee, and operators must collect and remit the 8.5% Kansas state sales tax plus any applicable local lodging taxes to the Kansas Department of Revenue monthly.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Burns, Kansas are generally legal as the small unincorporated community in Marion County does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them, defaulting to Kansas state law which permits STRs. However, operators must comply with Marion County zoning regulations and Kansas state requirements including sales tax collection through the Kansas Department of Revenue, business registration, and adherence to health and safety codes. Properties must meet residential zoning compliance and cannot operate in areas specifically zoned against commercial activities. There are no recent significant legal changes specific to Burns, though Kansas has been considering statewide STR registration requirements since 2022. Operators should verify current Marion County regulations and obtain necessary permits, as rural Kansas communities increasingly adopt STR oversight measures, and properties near lakes or recreational areas may face seasonal restrictions or enhanced scrutiny from county authorities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Burns, Kansas include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local events like the annual Burns Community Days festival. The residential areas along Highway 77 offer convenient access for business travelers working with local agricultural operations and the nearby Flint Hills ranching industry. Properties near Burns Lake provide appeal for outdoor enthusiasts and fishing tourists, particularly during spring and summer months. The neighborhoods close to the Burns Community Center and school district attract families visiting for youth sports tournaments and school events. Areas within walking distance of local restaurants and the Burns Museum draw heritage tourists exploring Kansas history, while properties on the outskirts of town appeal to hunters during deer and upland bird seasons, typically generating higher rates during fall hunting periods from October through December.

In Burns, Kansas, Airbnb properties are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on lodging stays of less than 28 consecutive days, which is collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the Kansas Department of Revenue through their online portal by the 25th of the month following each quarter. Marion County, where Burns is located, does not impose additional lodging taxes as of 2023. The city of Burns, being a small municipality with approximately 230 residents, does not have a separate municipal occupancy tax ordinance. Hosts must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue, collect the 6% tax from guests at the time of booking or check-in, maintain detailed records of all transactions, and file Form ST-16 quarterly even if no tax was collected during the period. Exemptions include stays of 28 days or longer, stays by permanent residents of Kansas when the lodging is their primary residence, and accommodations provided to certain government employees on official business, though documentation must be maintained for all claimed exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Burns, Kansas, the total estimated costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and tax registrations would cost $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would be $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would cost $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100/booking with estimated 8 bookings/month), maintenance ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) would total approximately $6,300. Additional working capital for unexpected repairs and vacancy periods should be budgeted at $5,000-$10,000, bringing the total startup investment to $185,000-$220,000.

Airbnb properties in Burns, Kansas, a small rural community with approximately 200 residents, face significant profitability challenges due to extremely limited demand and tourism infrastructure. Properties in this area typically generate annual revenues between $2,000-$8,000, with average daily rates of $45-$75 when bookings occur, but occupancy rates remain critically low at 15-25% annually due to the town's remote location and lack of major attractions. Operating expenses including utilities, cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and Airbnb fees typically consume 60-75% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins of 25-40% on the limited income generated. Success factors for the few profitable properties include targeting niche markets such as hunters during deer season, travelers seeking rural retreats, or visitors to nearby Cottonwood Falls, with properties featuring unique amenities like outdoor spaces, fire pits, or proximity to the Flint Hills generating slightly higher occupancy rates. Most property owners in Burns treat Airbnb as supplemental income rather than primary investment strategy, with break-even points difficult to achieve unless the property serves dual purposes such as personal vacation home or hunting lodge, making traditional rental properties or alternative investments more financially viable in this market.

Airbnb investments in Burns, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are conservative estimates given Burns' small population of approximately 230 residents and limited tourism infrastructure. Properties in this rural Harvey County community generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$95 and occupancy rates around 35-45% annually. The market benefits from proximity to Wichita (about 25 miles) and occasional demand from travelers visiting nearby attractions or conducting business in the region, though investors should expect lower performance compared to major Kansas cities like Lawrence or Manhattan. Initial investment costs are relatively low with median home prices around $85,000-$120,000, making the barrier to entry accessible, but the limited guest pool and seasonal demand fluctuations typical of rural Kansas markets may extend the path to consistent profitability beyond the initial 2-year timeframe.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Burns, Kansas. In the Burns area, local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors and RE/MAX Associates have experience with investment properties and can assist with Airbnb acquisitions. National services include AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Local property management companies such as Kansas Property Management Group and Flint Hills Property Services can provide insights into rental markets and property performance. Additional national platforms like Roofstock, which specializes in investment properties, and RedfinNow may have inventory in the broader Kansas market. Regional real estate investment groups and local banks like First National Bank of Kansas often have relationships with agents experienced in investment properties. For market research, STR Helper and AllTheRooms provide data on short-term rental performance in smaller Kansas markets, while local appraisers familiar with Burns can provide property valuations for investment analysis.