Is Cimarron, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Cimarron, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and contacting Cimarron City Hall at 620-855-3181 to verify short-term rental regulations, as Kansas municipalities vary in their requirements and some may require business licenses or special permits. Next, secure a suitable property either by purchasing or obtaining landlord permission if renting, focusing on locations near attractions like the Cimarron National Grassland or historic Santa Fe Trail sites. Apply for necessary permits which may include a business license from Gray County (approximately $25-50) and ensure compliance with Kansas sales tax requirements by registering with the Kansas Department of Revenue for transient guest tax collection. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by Kansas fire codes. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to outdoor recreation and historical attractions, pricing competitively around $75-125 per night based on local market rates. Establish management systems including 24/7 guest communication, professional cleaning services between stays, and consider property management software like Hostfully or Guesty to streamline operations, while maintaining insurance coverage through specialized short-term rental policies from companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ, as standard homeowner's insurance typically excludes commercial activities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Cimarron, Kansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of the Cimarron National Grassland and along Highway 50, as these locations attract outdoor enthusiasts and travelers passing through southwestern Kansas. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or ranch-style properties built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and reliable internet, as these features appeal to hunting groups, nature photographers, and road trip travelers who frequent this area. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and compare rates to similar properties in Dodge City (30 miles east) and Garden City (45 miles northeast), aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on property size and amenities. Research competition by analyzing the limited existing STR inventory on Airbnb and VRBO, noting that Cimarron has fewer than 10 active listings as of 2023, creating opportunity for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Mashvisor for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and connect with Cimarron Chamber of Commerce and Gray County tourism boards to understand seasonal demand patterns, particularly during hunting seasons (fall/winter) and summer camping periods when occupancy rates can reach 60-75% for well-marketed properties.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Cimarron, Kansas, contact the Cimarron City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 123 North 4th Street or call (620) 855-3181 to begin the application process. You will need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a copy of your driver's license, property insurance documentation showing liability coverage of at least $500,000, a floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is typically $150 with an annual renewal fee of $75, and you may need to pay additional fees for inspections ranging from $50-100. Required documents also include a fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department and compliance with zoning regulations which may restrict STRs to certain residential areas. The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days from submission of a complete application, during which the city will conduct property inspections for safety and code compliance. Cimarron requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, provide 24-hour contact information to neighbors, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, ensure adequate parking for guests, and comply with noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Cimarron, Kansas, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with Kansas state regulations and local zoning requirements, which typically restrict STRs to residential areas and require compliance with building codes, fire safety standards, and tax obligations including transient guest taxes. The city follows Gray County zoning regulations, and STRs are generally permitted in residential zones but may face restrictions in certain historic or densely populated areas. Property owners must ensure their rentals meet health and safety standards, obtain proper business licenses, and register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for tax purposes. There have been no major recent legal changes specifically targeting STRs in Cimarron, though operators should verify current zoning compliance and may need special use permits depending on the property's location and the frequency of rentals. The regulatory environment remains relatively permissive compared to larger Kansas cities, but standard business licensing and safety requirements still apply.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Cimarron, Kansas would be the historic downtown district near the Santa Fe Trail Museum and Cimarron National Grassland vicinity, as these locations attract history enthusiasts and outdoor recreation visitors year-round. The downtown area benefits from proximity to the Santa Fe Trail Museum, which draws tourists interested in Old West history and the town's frontier heritage, while properties near Cimarron National Grassland appeal to hunters, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts who visit for outdoor activities like hunting pheasant and quail, hiking, and wildlife photography. Areas within walking distance of local restaurants and the historic courthouse square also perform well due to their convenience for visitors exploring the town's Western heritage sites, and properties along Highway 50 capture travelers following the historic Santa Fe Trail route who prefer authentic small-town accommodations over chain hotels in larger cities.

Airbnb properties in Cimarron, Kansas 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 monthly to the Kansas Department of Revenue if gross receipts exceed $4,000 annually. Gray County, where Cimarron is located, imposes an additional 2% transient guest tax that must be collected and remitted quarterly to the county treasurer's office. The City of Cimarron levies a 3% municipal lodging tax on short-term rentals, collected by hosts and remitted monthly to the city clerk's office by the 20th of the following month. Hosts must register with each taxing jurisdiction and obtain the appropriate permits before collecting taxes. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 28 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization bookings, though documentation may be required to qualify for exemptions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Cimarron, Kansas would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas towns. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees would total $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would be $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) would total approximately $6,300. Additional costs might include property taxes ($2,000-$3,000 annually) and potential HOA fees if applicable.

Airbnb properties in Cimarron, Kansas, face challenging profitability conditions due to the town's small population of approximately 2,000 residents and limited tourist attractions, with average daily rates typically ranging from $45-75 compared to Kansas state averages of $85-120. Properties in this rural Gray County location generally achieve occupancy rates of 25-40% annually, generating gross revenues of $4,000-8,000 per year for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and Airbnb's 3% host fee often total $6,000-12,000 annually, resulting in negative profit margins of -15% to -35% for most operators. Success factors for the few profitable properties include targeting hunters during pheasant and deer seasons (October-January), positioning near Cimarron National Grassland for outdoor enthusiasts, maintaining extremely low acquisition costs under $60,000, and operating debt-free to minimize fixed expenses. The most successful case studies involve inherited family properties or cash purchases where owners can achieve break-even with occupancy rates as low as 20%, though even these scenarios rarely exceed 5-8% profit margins due to the limited demand pool and seasonal nature of visitors to this remote southwestern Kansas community.

Based on Cimarron, Kansas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and occupancy rates. Properties in Cimarron generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$120 for well-positioned rentals near local attractions like Cimarron National Grassland. The market benefits from steady demand from hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers on Highway 50, though seasonal fluctuations occur with peak performance during hunting seasons (October-December) and summer months. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 8-10 years, with properties requiring $15,000-$25,000 in setup costs for furnishing and renovations to meet short-term rental standards in this rural Kansas market.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Cimarron, Kansas. For local expertise in the Cimarron area, investors can work with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors and Century 21 Wheat State Realty, both of which have agents familiar with Southwest Kansas investment properties. RE/MAX Associates and Keller Williams Realty also serve the region with agents who understand vacation rental markets. National services like Mashvisor, AirDNA, and Rabbu provide market analysis and property identification tools for Airbnb investments in smaller Kansas markets. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while companies like Awning and RedAwning offer property management services for short-term rentals in rural Kansas markets. Local property management companies such as High Plains Property Management and Southwest Kansas Realty Services can assist with ongoing operations, and mortgage brokers like First National Bank of Cimarron and Citizens State Bank provide financing options for investment properties in the area.