Is Crowheart, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Crowheart, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through Fremont County's planning and zoning department, as Crowheart falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control, and contact the Wyoming Department of Revenue for state tax requirements including the 4% state lodging tax. Obtain necessary permits from Fremont County for short-term rental operations, which may require a conditional use permit depending on zoning, and register for a Wyoming business license through the Secretary of State's office. Find suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with the Wind River area, considering proximity to outdoor attractions like the Wind River Range and Boysen Reservoir, with properties typically ranging from $150,000-$400,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with durable, western-themed décor appropriate for the rural setting, ensuring reliable internet service through providers like CenturyLink or local wireless companies, and install essential amenities including heating systems capable of handling Wyoming winters with temperatures dropping to -20°F. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms, highlighting nearby attractions such as fishing, hunting, and proximity to the Wind River Indian Reservation cultural sites, with competitive pricing around $80-150 per night based on seasonal demand. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Riverton or Lander (30-45 minutes away), coordinate with maintenance providers familiar with rural Wyoming properties, and consider hiring a local property management company like Jackson Hole Resort Lodging or similar regional operators to handle guest communications and emergency situations given Crowheart's remote location.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Crowheart, Wyoming, focus on properties within 30 minutes of Wind River Canyon, Boysen Reservoir, and outdoor recreation areas, as this remote town of approximately 200 residents primarily attracts visitors for fishing, hunting, and scenic tourism. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or ranch-style homes with rustic charm, outdoor amenities like fire pits or hot tubs, and reliable internet since cell service can be spotty. Pricing analysis should consider seasonal fluctuations with peak rates during hunting season (September-November) and summer fishing months, typically ranging $150-300 per night based on comparable properties in nearby Thermopolis and Dubois. Competition research reveals limited STR inventory in Crowheart itself, creating opportunity, but analyze offerings in Riverton (20 miles) and Lander (35 miles) for market context. Utilize AirDNA for market data, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources like Fremont County tourism data, Wyoming Game and Fish hunting statistics, and connect with Wind River Realty or Century 21 BHJ for property insights, while considering the seasonal nature of tourism and potential challenges with property management in this rural location.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Crowheart, Wyoming, you'll need to contact the Fremont County Planning and Zoning Department since Crowheart is an unincorporated community within Fremont County. Start by calling the Fremont County Courthouse at (307) 332-1000 or visiting their office at 450 North 2nd Street in Lander, Wyoming to inquire about short-term rental regulations and permit requirements. You'll likely need to submit a completed application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan or property survey, obtain liability insurance documentation (typically $1 million minimum), and pass a safety inspection that includes smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Required documents may include a business license, tax identification number, septic system approval if applicable, and neighbor notification forms. Application fees typically range from $150-$300 with annual renewal fees of $75-$150, though exact amounts should be confirmed with the county. The approval timeline is generally 30-60 days depending on inspection scheduling and application completeness. Specific Crowheart area requirements may include compliance with rural zoning restrictions, adequate parking provisions, waste management plans for remote locations, and potential limitations on the number of guests due to septic system capacity, so verify all local regulations with Fremont County officials before beginning operations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Crowheart, Wyoming are generally legal as the state of Wyoming does not prohibit STRs at the state level, and Fremont County, where Crowheart is located, does not have comprehensive county-wide STR restrictions as of 2023. However, Crowheart is an unincorporated community on the Wind River Indian Reservation, which means tribal regulations may apply and property owners should verify compliance with both tribal law and any applicable federal regulations governing activities on reservation land. The area lacks specific municipal STR ordinances since it's unincorporated, but operators must still comply with standard business licensing requirements, tax obligations including Wyoming's 4% state sales tax and any applicable local taxes, and basic safety and zoning requirements. Recent legal changes in Wyoming have focused more on larger municipalities like Jackson and Teton County implementing stricter STR regulations, but rural areas like Crowheart remain largely unregulated at the local level, though the tribal jurisdiction aspect creates a unique regulatory environment that requires careful consideration of Wind River Reservation policies.

Crowheart, Wyoming offers limited but focused Airbnb investment opportunities primarily centered around the Wind River Reservation area and properties near the Wind River itself, which attract visitors interested in Native American cultural experiences, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The most promising areas would be properties within a 5-10 mile radius of the town center that offer easy access to the Wind River for fly fishing enthusiasts, as this region is known for excellent trout fishing that draws anglers from across the region, particularly during peak fishing seasons from May through September. Properties near Highway 26/287 corridor would be advantageous for travelers passing through to Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park, as Crowheart serves as a waypoint for tourists heading to these major destinations. The area around Crowheart Butte, a significant historical and cultural landmark, could attract visitors interested in Western history and Native American heritage tourism. Additionally, properties that can accommodate hunters would perform well during hunting seasons, as the surrounding areas offer opportunities for big game hunting, drawing visitors from urban areas seeking authentic Wyoming outdoor experiences.

Airbnb properties in Crowheart, Wyoming are subject to Wyoming's statewide lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, which is collected by the Wyoming Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by the 19th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $750. Fremont County, where Crowheart is located, does not impose an additional county lodging tax as of 2023, though some municipalities in Wyoming levy local occupancy taxes ranging from 2-6%. Property owners must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue, obtain a lodging tax license, and file returns even if no tax is owed during a reporting period. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes directly on behalf of hosts through their platform in Wyoming since 2019, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than lodging, and rentals to permanent residents, though specific documentation requirements apply for claiming exemptions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Crowheart, Wyoming would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $200,000-$220,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom home suitable for short-term rental in this rural area near the Wind River Reservation. Furnishing costs would run $15,000-$25,000 for complete furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would cost $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registrations would total $500-$1,500. Insurance including liability and property coverage specifically for short-term rentals would cost $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and propane/heating would require $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$800/month), cleaning supplies and services ($200-$400/month), maintenance reserves ($300-$500/month), platform fees, and marketing would total approximately $6,600-$10,200, bringing the complete startup investment to around $285,000-$320,000 for launching a successful Airbnb operation in Crowheart, Wyoming.

Airbnb properties in Crowheart, Wyoming face significant profitability challenges due to the town's remote location and limited tourist infrastructure, with most properties generating annual revenues between $8,000-$15,000 compared to expenses of $12,000-$18,000 including mortgage, utilities, maintenance, and cleaning fees, resulting in negative profit margins of -15% to -25% for many operators. The area's proximity to Wind River Reservation and outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing and hunting provide seasonal demand spikes during summer months (June-September) when nightly rates can reach $80-120, but occupancy rates typically remain below 35% annually due to harsh winters and limited year-round attractions. Successful properties in the region, such as converted ranch houses or cabins near Boysen Reservoir, focus on targeting hunting and fishing enthusiasts willing to pay premium rates of $150-200 per night during peak seasons, with the most profitable operators achieving 8-12% profit margins by minimizing operational costs through self-management, solar power installations, and partnerships with local outfitters like Wyoming Wilderness Adventures and Fremont County hunting guides to create package deals that justify higher nightly rates and extend average stay durations to 3-4 nights.

Based on Crowheart, Wyoming's remote location and limited tourism infrastructure, Airbnb investments in this small unincorporated community would likely generate modest returns of 4-7% annual ROI, with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and seasonal demand from hunters, fishermen, and Wind River Reservation visitors. Properties would typically require 3-5 years to reach profitability due to low year-round occupancy rates of approximately 25-40%, seasonal pricing variations between $75-150 per night, and the challenges of marketing rural Wyoming properties to travelers who primarily visit during summer months and hunting seasons, though lower property acquisition costs of $150,000-300,000 compared to major tourist destinations could offset some revenue limitations.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Crowheart, Wyoming. AirDNA provides market data and analytics for Airbnb investments in rural Wyoming markets, while Mashvisor offers property analysis tools for vacation rental investments in small towns like Crowheart. Vacasa operates as a property management company that also helps investors identify and acquire vacation rental properties in Wyoming mountain communities. RedAwning specializes in vacation rental property sales and management across Wyoming's tourist destinations. Local real estate agents like those at Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates and Wyoming Real Estate Network have experience with investment properties in rural Wyoming communities including the Wind River area where Crowheart is located. BiggerPockets marketplace connects investors with local agents familiar with Airbnb regulations in Fremont County, Wyoming. Awning provides financing specifically for short-term rental property purchases in emerging markets like rural Wyoming towns. Roofstock focuses on turnkey rental properties and has expanded into vacation rental markets in mountain states including Wyoming since 2020.