Is Como, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Como, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Rock County Planning Department and the Town of Como, as short-term rentals may require special permits or conditional use permits depending on the property's zoning classification. Contact Rock County at (608) 757-5440 to verify specific requirements, obtain necessary business licenses, and ensure compliance with Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services regulations for rental properties. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Como's rural areas, considering proximity to Lake Como and outdoor recreation areas that attract visitors, with properties typically ranging from $150,000-$400,000 depending on size and lakefront access. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and outdoor furniture to capitalize on the area's natural attractions, budgeting approximately $15,000-$25,000 for complete furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting lake views, outdoor activities, and proximity to Wisconsin Dells (45 minutes away), setting competitive rates around $100-$200 per night based on seasonal demand and property features. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating key exchanges or lockbox systems, and ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's 5.5% state sales tax plus Rock County's additional lodging taxes, while considering hiring local property management services if you live outside the area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Como, Wisconsin, focus on lakefront or near-water locations within walking distance of Lake Como, as waterfront properties typically command 30-40% higher nightly rates averaging $200-350 per night compared to inland properties at $120-180. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with 2+ bathrooms, modern kitchens, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and amenities such as boat access, fishing equipment, or winter sports gear storage, as Como's seasonal tourism peaks during summer months (June-August) and winter activities (December-February). Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify the $150,000-400,000 price range that typically yields 8-12% annual returns, while monitoring occupancy rates that average 65-75% during peak seasons. Research competition by examining the 15-25 existing STR properties in the area through Airbnb and VRBO, noting that properties with unique features like private docks, hot tubs, or game rooms achieve 15-20% higher booking rates. Utilize tools like Rabbu for local market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and connect with Geneva Lake Area Realty and Keefe Real Estate for market insights, while ensuring compliance with Walworth County's STR regulations and obtaining necessary permits through the local township office.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Como, Wisconsin, contact the Como Town Clerk's office or the county zoning department (likely Walworth County) to submit an application for a short-term rental license, which typically requires completing a rental registration form, providing proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submitting a floor plan or property layout, obtaining liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million, passing a property safety inspection, and paying application fees ranging from $100-300 annually. Required documents include a completed application form, property deed or lease, insurance certificate, emergency contact information, parking plan, and waste management plan. The process typically takes 30-60 days from application submission to approval, during which time the property may need to undergo a fire safety and building code inspection by local officials. Como may require specific compliance with noise ordinances, occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity, designated parking spaces, and registration with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes, with renewal required annually and potential additional fees for late applications or violations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Como, Wisconsin, but are subject to local zoning regulations and state requirements. Como, located in Walworth County, follows Wisconsin state law which allows STRs but requires operators to register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and collect applicable taxes. Local zoning ordinances in Como may restrict STRs in certain residential areas or require conditional use permits, particularly in neighborhoods zoned for single-family residential use. Property owners must comply with safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and maintain liability insurance. Recent changes in Wisconsin law (around 2018-2019) strengthened state oversight of STRs and standardized tax collection requirements. Como may have specific occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that apply to STR operations. Property owners should verify current local zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits from Walworth County before operating an STR, as enforcement has increased in recent years due to neighbor complaints and tourism impacts in the Lake Geneva area.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Como, Wisconsin include the lakefront properties along Lake Como itself, which attract summer tourists seeking waterfront recreation, fishing, and boating activities from May through September. The downtown historic district near Main Street offers charm for visitors attending local festivals and events, particularly during the annual Como Days celebration and fall harvest festivals. Properties near the Como Park and Recreation Area draw families and outdoor enthusiasts year-round for hiking, camping, and winter activities like cross-country skiing. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of local restaurants and the Como Community Center provide convenient access for business travelers visiting nearby agricultural operations and small manufacturing facilities. Areas close to Highway 12 offer easy accessibility for guests traveling between Madison and Wisconsin Dells, making them attractive for overnight stays, while properties near the Como Lake boat launch command premium rates during peak fishing seasons when tournaments and fishing guides operate in the area.

Como, Wisconsin does not appear to be a recognized municipality, as Wisconsin does not have a city or town named Como. However, if this refers to a location within Wisconsin, Airbnb properties would generally be subject to Wisconsin's state sales tax of 5% on lodging, plus any applicable local room taxes which vary by municipality and can range from 2% to 8%. Most Wisconsin municipalities with tourism activity impose local room taxes, typically collected by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue along with state sales tax through monthly or quarterly returns filed by the host or property manager. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some Wisconsin jurisdictions through their tax collection service, but hosts remain responsible for compliance verification. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered residential rather than transient lodging, and some municipalities may exempt certain types of accommodations or have minimum stay requirements before taxes apply.

Starting an Airbnb in Como, Wisconsin requires an initial investment of approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Wisconsin communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor runs $8,000-$12,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities costs $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees vary but typically include business license ($50-$200), potential short-term rental permit ($100-$500), and inspection fees ($200-$400). Insurance for short-term rentals adds $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year requiring upfront payment. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total $500-$800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($300/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees on bookings ($150/month), and marketing ($100/month) amount to approximately $5,100. Additional considerations include property taxes, HOA fees if applicable, and a cash reserve for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Como, Wisconsin, which is a small unincorporated community in Walworth County near Lake Geneva, typically generate annual revenues ranging from $15,000-$35,000 for modest lakefront cabins to $45,000-$75,000 for larger luxury properties with lake access, based on average daily rates of $150-$300 during peak summer months and $80-$150 in off-season periods with occupancy rates averaging 45-65% annually. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$150 per turnover), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), maintenance and repairs (8-12% of revenue), and local taxes, resulting in net profit margins of 25-40% for well-managed properties. Success factors in this market include proximity to Lake Geneva attractions, seasonal optimization with higher rates during summer weekends and holidays, professional photography showcasing lake views, and partnerships with local activity providers, with properties within walking distance of the lake commanding premium rates and achieving occupancy rates 15-20% higher than inland properties, while investors typically see ROI of 8-15% annually depending on initial purchase price and financing terms.

Airbnb investments in Como, Wisconsin can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the area's proximity to Lake Geneva and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-10% annually, with properties averaging $150-250 per night during peak summer months (May-September) and $80-120 during off-season. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties near the lake or recreational areas. The market benefits from Chicago-area visitors seeking weekend retreats, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Properties requiring $20,000-40,000 in initial improvements and furnishing typically generate $25,000-45,000 in gross annual revenue, with net profits of $12,000-22,000 after expenses including property management (10-15%), cleaning fees, utilities, and maintenance costs.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Como, Wisconsin, providing market analytics and investment insights. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in the Como area include Coldwell Banker Realty agents who focus on vacation rental properties, RE/MAX professionals with short-term rental expertise, and Century 21 agents familiar with the Wisconsin Dells tourism market. National services include AirDNA for market data analysis, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, BiggerPockets for investor networking and education, and Awning for short-term rental investment guidance. Local property management companies such as Wisconsin Dells Vacation Rentals and Lake Delton Property Management offer services to help investors maximize their Airbnb returns. Additional resources include RedAwning for vacation rental management, HostGPO for operational support, and local mortgage brokers like First Weber Mortgage who understand investment property financing in Wisconsin's tourism markets.