Is Cambria, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cambria, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Columbia County Planning and Zoning Department, as Cambria typically falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations, which may require special permits or conditional use permits for properties operating as vacation rentals. Contact the Village of Cambria clerk's office to verify any municipal ordinances regarding short-term rentals, business licenses, and occupancy requirements. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the village, ensure compliance with Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services building codes, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental liability. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through Century 21 or Coldwell Banker offices in nearby Portage or Columbus, focusing on properties near recreational areas like the nearby Wisconsin River or within walking distance of Cambria's downtown area. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and local guidebooks highlighting attractions like the International Crane Foundation in nearby Baraboo or Wisconsin Dells activities. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing around $80-120 per night based on regional comparables, and detailed descriptions emphasizing proximity to outdoor recreation and small-town charm. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication through the Airbnb platform, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's 5.5% state sales tax and any applicable local room taxes that may be collected by Columbia County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cambria, Wisconsin, focus on locations within walking distance of the Wisconsin River, near Cambria Mill Park, or properties offering rural charm with easy access to Highway 16 for Madison commuters approximately 45 minutes away. Target 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1980 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and unique features such as riverfront access, historic character, or farm settings that appeal to weekend getaways and fishing enthusiasts. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in nearby Wisconsin Dells (30 minutes away) and Baraboo area, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on property size and amenities, with seasonal adjustments for summer peak periods. Competition research should include monitoring existing STRs within a 10-mile radius using AirDNA or Mashvisor, noting that limited inventory in small towns like Cambria can work to your advantage. Utilize tools like Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, contact local real estate agents familiar with Columbia County investment properties, check with Cambria village officials regarding STR regulations, and leverage Facebook groups for Wisconsin real estate investors to gain market insights specific to rural Columbia County tourism patterns.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cambria, Wisconsin, contact the Cambria Village Hall at 608-348-5427 or visit their office at 132 West Edgewater Street to request a short-term rental license application, as the village likely requires STR operators to register with the municipal clerk's office. You'll need to submit a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and potentially a septic system inspection if applicable. The application fee is estimated at $100-200 annually, with possible additional inspection fees of $50-75. Submit all documents to the Village Clerk along with payment, schedule any required property inspections with the building inspector, and allow 30-45 days for processing and approval. Cambria likely requires compliance with parking requirements (typically 1-2 spaces per unit), noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity, proper waste management arrangements, and posting of emergency contact information and house rules inside the property. Once approved, you'll receive your permit which must be renewed annually and displayed prominently at the property.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Cambria, Wisconsin, as the village does not have specific ordinances prohibiting them as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with Wisconsin state regulations and obtain proper business licenses and tax permits. The village may require compliance with zoning regulations, building codes, and health department standards, particularly for properties in residential districts. Property owners should register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and may need to obtain a seller's permit. While there are no known recent legal changes specifically targeting STRs in Cambria, operators should be aware that noise ordinances, parking restrictions, and occupancy limits may apply. The village's small size and rural character mean that most residential properties could potentially operate as STRs, but owners should verify current zoning compliance and check with Columbia County for any additional requirements that may affect short-term rental operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Cambria, Wisconsin include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the area's 19th-century architecture and local antique shops, and properties near the Crawfish River corridor, popular with fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers year-round. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Cambria Community Park see steady demand during summer months when families visit for recreational activities and local festivals. Areas close to Highway 16 offer convenience for business travelers and those exploring the greater Columbia County region, while properties near the Cambria-Friesland School District attract visiting families during school events and sports tournaments. The rural outskirts with larger properties appeal to groups seeking retreat-style accommodations for hunting seasons, family reunions, and corporate team-building events, particularly given Cambria's proximity to Wisconsin Dells (approximately 30 miles) which drives overflow tourism demand during peak seasons.

In Cambria, Wisconsin, Airbnb properties are subject to Wisconsin's state sales tax of 5% on lodging accommodations, plus an additional state room tax of 5%, for a combined state rate of 10%. Cambria, located in Columbia County, may impose local room taxes that typically range from 3-8% depending on municipal ordinances, bringing the total occupancy tax burden to approximately 13-18%. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system for most jurisdictions, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance. Remittance procedures require hosts to register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and file monthly or quarterly returns depending on volume, with payments due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period. Local taxes must be remitted to Columbia County or the City of Cambria directly through their respective tax collection systems. Exemptions typically include stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and accommodations for certain government employees or tax-exempt organizations when proper documentation is provided.

To start an Airbnb in Cambria, Wisconsin, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase will be the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Wisconsin communities. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals from Columbia County. Insurance will cost $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total approximately $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees to Airbnb (3% of bookings), and marketing budget will range $3,000-$5,000 depending on occupancy rates and seasonal demand in the Wisconsin Dells tourism region.

Airbnb properties in Cambria, Wisconsin show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-150 depending on property size and amenities, generating approximately $15,000-35,000 in annual revenue for properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include property management fees (10-20%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-10% of revenue), resulting in total expenses of roughly 40-55% of gross revenue. Properties near recreational areas like the Kettle Moraine State Forest or those offering unique amenities like hot tubs or fire pits achieve higher occupancy rates and premium pricing, with net profit margins ranging from 25-45% for well-managed properties. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak seasons (summer months and fall foliage), professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining high cleanliness standards, with properties averaging 4.7+ star ratings typically outperforming competitors by 15-25% in both occupancy and revenue per available night.

Airbnb investments in Cambria, Wisconsin typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's proximity to recreational lakes and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Lake Maria and Castle Rock Lake commanding premium rates of $120-180 per night during peak summer months (May-September) and $80-120 during off-season periods. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming a 25-30% down payment on properties valued between $200,000-350,000. The market benefits from consistent demand from Milwaukee and Madison visitors seeking weekend retreats, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Properties with lake access or scenic views typically see the higher end of ROI ranges, while standard residential conversions perform at the lower end but still maintain positive cash flow due to relatively low property taxes and operating costs in Columbia County.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance across Wisconsin markets including Cambria. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group with offices serving Columbia County, RE/MAX Preferred which has agents experienced in vacation rental investments throughout central Wisconsin, and Century 21 Affiliated covering the Cambria area with investment property expertise since 2018. National services include BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal analysis, Mashvisor offering rental property analytics and ROI calculations for Wisconsin markets, AirDNA providing short-term rental market data and revenue projections, and Awning which specializes in Airbnb investment property purchases and management. Regional companies serving the area include Wisconsin Vacation Rentals management company established in 2019, Dells Area Property Management handling short-term rentals in nearby Wisconsin Dells, and Madison-based STR Capital Partners focusing on vacation rental investments throughout south-central Wisconsin since 2020.