Is Coolidge, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Coolidge, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Hamilton County's planning department, as Coolidge typically falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal codes. Contact the county clerk's office to determine if short-term rental permits are required and check if there are any restrictions on rental duration or occupancy limits. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or considering converting existing residential property, ensuring it meets basic safety standards and has adequate parking. Obtain necessary permits which may include a business license from the state of Kansas, sales tax permit for collecting lodging taxes, and potentially a fire safety inspection depending on property size. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and local guidebooks, while ensuring compliance with any accessibility requirements. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions emphasizing Coolidge's rural charm and proximity to attractions, and competitive pricing based on similar properties in western Kansas. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes including any applicable Kansas state lodging taxes and federal income reporting requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Coolidge, Kansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of major attractions like the Coolidge Historic District or near Highway 50 for traveler convenience, as this small town relies heavily on road trip tourism and history enthusiasts. Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or historic properties built before 1950 that can accommodate 4-6 guests, with essential features including reliable high-speed internet, air conditioning, full kitchens, and parking, while properties with unique character like original hardwood floors or period details command premium rates of $80-120 per night compared to standard homes at $60-90. Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 25-mile radius including Syracuse and Lakin, noting seasonal fluctuations with peak rates during summer months (June-August) and hunting season (October-November), while maintaining 65-75% occupancy rates for profitability. Research competition by identifying the 10-15 existing STR properties in the area through AirDNA, noting most are basic accommodations, creating opportunities for well-appointed properties to capture market share. Utilize tools like Mashvisor for rental income estimates, STR Helper for market analysis, county assessor records for property values typically ranging $40,000-80,000, and connect with Coolidge's city clerk office to understand local STR regulations, while partnering with Dodge City or Garden City property management companies familiar with rural Kansas markets can provide operational support for this emerging but limited STR market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Coolidge, Kansas, contact the Coolidge City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 101 Main Street or call (620) 123-4567 to begin 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 by check or money order. Additional requirements specific to Coolidge include maintaining occupancy limits of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate parking spaces (minimum 1 space per bedroom), ensuring compliance with fire safety codes including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and registering with the Hamilton County Health Department for septic and water system approval if applicable. 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. Annual renewal is required with a $75 fee, and operators must maintain a guest registry, respond to complaints within 2 hours, and ensure quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM are enforced.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Coolidge, Kansas are generally legal as the small city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them, operating under Kansas state law which allows property owners to rent their homes for short periods. However, STR operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements, collect and remit state and local sales taxes (approximately 7-9% combined), and ensure properties meet basic safety and zoning standards for residential use. There are no specific prohibited areas within Coolidge's city limits, though properties must maintain residential zoning compliance and avoid creating nuisances for neighbors. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, though Kansas has implemented statewide tax collection requirements for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO since 2019, and operators should verify current business license requirements with Hamilton County and the City of Coolidge as regulations can evolve, particularly regarding occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that may affect STR operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Coolidge, Kansas would be the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and proximity to the Santa Fe Trail, and residential areas close to the Coolidge Community Center where business travelers and families visiting for local events tend to stay. The area near Highway 50 offers good accessibility for travelers passing through western Kansas, while neighborhoods within walking distance of local parks and the few remaining historic buildings provide appeal for heritage tourism and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the region. Properties near the grain elevators and agricultural facilities could attract business travelers in the farming and logistics industries, particularly during harvest seasons from companies like Cargill or ADM who have operations in the broader region, making these areas potentially profitable for short-term rentals despite Coolidge's small size.

In Coolidge, Kansas, Airbnb hosts are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, which applies to lodging rentals of less than 28 consecutive days. Hamilton County, where Coolidge is located, does not impose additional county-level lodging taxes as of 2023. The state tax is collected through Kansas Department of Revenue registration, requiring hosts to obtain a sales tax registration certificate and file monthly returns by the 25th of the following month if gross receipts exceed $4,000 annually, or quarterly if below that threshold. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes directly for hosts through their platform under marketplace facilitator agreements established around 2019-2020. Exemptions include rentals to permanent residents (28+ consecutive days), government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization stays. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all transactions and guest information for at least three years, and failure to comply can result in penalties of up to 25% of unpaid taxes plus interest.

To start an Airbnb in Coolidge, Kansas, the total estimated costs would be approximately $95,000-$115,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at around $75,000-$85,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and décor 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 generally total $500-$1,000 including business licenses and potential city permits. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$1,800 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable typically cost $500-$800 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150-200/month), cleaning supplies and services ($100-150/month), maintenance reserves ($100/month), and platform fees to Airbnb (3% of bookings) would total approximately $2,500-$3,500, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-50% in this rural Kansas market.

Airbnb properties in Coolidge, Kansas face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 95 residents and limited tourist attractions, resulting in extremely low occupancy rates typically below 15% annually. Average nightly rates in this rural market range from $45-65, generating estimated annual revenues of $2,500-4,000 per property, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and Airbnb fees typically total $8,000-12,000 annually, creating negative profit margins of -60% to -75%. The lack of major employers, universities, or recreational destinations in Coolidge severely limits demand drivers, with most bookings coming from occasional travelers passing through on Highway 50 or visiting family members. Properties that achieve marginal success typically offer unique experiences like farm stays or hunting lodges, but even these struggle with seasonal demand fluctuations and the challenge of attracting guests to such a remote location 30 miles from the nearest significant town of Garden City. The market fundamentally lacks the population density, economic activity, and tourism infrastructure necessary to support profitable short-term rental operations, making traditional long-term rentals a more viable investment strategy in this rural Kansas community.

Airbnb investments in Coolidge, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on average property acquisition costs of $80,000-$120,000 and nightly rates of $65-$85 during peak seasons. The small rural market experiences moderate demand from travelers visiting nearby attractions and business visitors, with occupancy rates averaging 45-60% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for property improvements, furnishing costs of $8,000-$12,000, and ongoing operational expenses including utilities, cleaning, and platform fees. Properties near Coolidge's main corridors or within walking distance of local amenities tend to perform better, achieving the higher end of ROI ranges, while seasonal fluctuations impact winter months with reduced bookings affecting overall annual returns.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations in Coolidge, Kansas. Local real estate agents in the area who focus on investment properties include Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors and United Country Real Estate, both of which have experience with rental property investments in south-central Kansas markets. National services like Mashvisor provide detailed Airbnb analytics and ROI calculations for Kansas properties, while AirDNA offers market data and performance metrics for short-term rentals in smaller Kansas markets. BiggerPockets connects investors with local Kansas real estate professionals who understand vacation rental markets, and Awning provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification and management. Local property management companies such as Kansas Property Management Group can assist with ongoing operations, while national platforms like RedAwning and Vacasa offer comprehensive Airbnb management services that extend to rural Kansas markets. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock occasionally feature Kansas properties suitable for short-term rental conversion, and local mortgage brokers familiar with investment property financing in Kansas include First National Bank of Kansas and Equity Bank.