Is De Beque, Colorado Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in De Beque, Colorado, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Mesa County's planning department, as De Beque falls under county jurisdiction and may require special use permits for short-term rentals in residential zones. Contact the Town of De Beque clerk's office at (970) 283-5455 to verify any municipal requirements and obtain necessary business licenses, which typically cost $50-100 annually. Secure appropriate property either by purchasing a home in the $150,000-300,000 range typical for the area or obtaining landlord permission if renting. Register for Colorado state sales tax through the Department of Revenue and obtain a Colorado sales tax license since short-term rentals are subject to state and local lodging taxes. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture focusing on outdoor recreation themes given De Beque's proximity to Colorado River activities, budgeting $8,000-15,000 for a complete setup. Install safety features including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit as required by Colorado regulations. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the rural Colorado setting and nearby attractions like the Colorado River and Book Cliffs. Set competitive pricing around $75-125 per night based on seasonal demand from outdoor enthusiasts and oil field workers. Implement a management system using Airbnb's tools or property management software, establish cleaning protocols between guests, and maintain responsive communication with visitors while ensuring compliance with the 2.9% Colorado state lodging tax and any applicable Mesa County lodging taxes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in De Beque, Colorado, focus on properties within walking distance of the Colorado River and near outdoor recreation access points, as this small town of approximately 500 residents attracts visitors for fishing, hunting, and scenic drives along I-70. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or large decks that capitalize on the area's natural beauty and stargazing opportunities. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in nearby Rifle (15 miles east) and Parachute (20 miles west), as De Beque has limited direct competition, allowing for premium pricing of $150-250 per night during peak hunting and fishing seasons (September-November and May-July). Conduct competition research using AirDNA and Mashvisor to analyze occupancy rates in the broader Garfield County market, while leveraging local resources like the De Beque Town Hall for zoning regulations and the Colorado River outfitters for partnership opportunities. Utilize tools like Rabbu and PriceLabs for dynamic pricing, monitor seasonal trends through STR analytics platforms, and consider properties with easy highway access since many visitors are traveling between Denver and Grand Junction, making De Beque an attractive overnight stop for road trippers exploring western Colorado's outdoor recreation opportunities.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in De Beque, Colorado, you must first contact the Town of De Beque Planning Department at 970-283-5455 or visit their office at 111 River Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small town may have recently implemented or be developing STR ordinances. You'll likely need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate guest parking, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. The application fee is estimated to be between $100-300 annually, and you may need to pay additional inspection fees of approximately $75-150. Required documents should include a business license from Mesa County, sales tax license from the Colorado Department of Revenue, and compliance with fire safety codes including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days from submission of a complete application, and you must ensure compliance with zoning requirements (likely restricted to residential zones), maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM, and trash collection arrangements that don't burden neighbors, with annual permit renewal required and potential inspections by town officials.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in De Beque, Colorado, as the small town of approximately 500 residents in Garfield County does not appear to have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting STRs as of 2024. However, operators must comply with Colorado state regulations and Garfield County requirements, which typically include business licensing, sales tax collection, and adherence to zoning restrictions that may limit STRs in certain residential areas. The town follows standard Colorado STR regulations requiring hosts to register their properties, collect lodging taxes, and maintain proper insurance coverage. Recent changes in Colorado law since 2021 have strengthened local government authority to regulate STRs, but De Beque has not implemented significant restrictions beyond basic compliance requirements. Property owners should verify current zoning allowances and obtain necessary permits before operating, as enforcement has increased statewide, and neighboring jurisdictions like Glenwood Springs and Aspen have implemented stricter regulations that could influence future local policy decisions.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in De Beque, Colorado are the historic downtown district along 7th Street and the residential neighborhoods near the Colorado River corridor. The downtown area attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and proximity to outdoor recreation, while properties near the river appeal to fishing enthusiasts and those seeking scenic views. The areas close to Interstate 70 are particularly valuable for business travelers and tourists heading to nearby attractions like the Colorado National Monument and Grand Junction wineries. Properties within walking distance of the De Beque Canyon offer appeal to rock climbers, hikers, and outdoor adventure seekers who frequent the area for its unique geological formations and recreational opportunities. The residential streets near the community center and school district provide family-friendly accommodations for visitors attending local events or exploring the broader Grand Valley region, making these neighborhoods attractive for longer-term stays and repeat bookings.

In De Beque, Colorado, Airbnb hosts are subject to Colorado state sales tax at 2.9% and state lodging tax at 2.9% on short-term rental stays under 30 days, which are collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the Colorado Department of Revenue monthly. Mesa County imposes an additional lodging tax of approximately 1-2% on short-term rentals, which hosts must collect separately and remit quarterly to Mesa County. The Town of De Beque may impose local sales tax of around 3-4% on lodging accommodations, requiring hosts to register for a local business license and remit taxes monthly or quarterly depending on volume. Hosts must also obtain a short-term rental license from Mesa County and comply with any municipal registration requirements in De Beque. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than lodging, and to rentals by certain tax-exempt organizations. Property taxes on the underlying real estate may be assessed at commercial rates rather than residential rates if the property is used primarily for short-term rentals, and hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections for compliance purposes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in De Beque, Colorado is approximately $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase costs around $200,000-$220,000 based on median home prices in this small rural Colorado town. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, linens, kitchenware, and décor. Initial setup costs $3,000-$5,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities. Permits and fees total $500-$1,500 including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance adds $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities average $200-$300 monthly including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs reach $8,000-$12,000 covering utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($2,400-$3,600), maintenance and repairs ($1,500-$2,500), marketing and platform fees ($1,800-$2,700), supplies and restocking ($600-$900), and property management software ($500-$500). Additional considerations include potential property improvements, emergency fund reserves, and seasonal fluctuations in this outdoor recreation area near Colorado National Monument.

Airbnb properties in De Beque, Colorado show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual revenue based on 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-8% of revenue). Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% after expenses, with successful properties achieving $4,000-7,000 annual profit per bedroom. Success factors include proximity to Colorado River recreation activities, competitive pricing against Grand Junction hotels 45 minutes away, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and targeting outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby state parks and hunting areas. Properties with hot tubs, river access, or unique amenities like RV parking command premium rates and higher occupancy, while basic properties struggle against limited local demand outside peak summer and hunting seasons from May through October.

Based on De Beque, Colorado market conditions, Airbnb investments in this small western Colorado town of approximately 500 residents can expect annual ROI of 8-12% due to its proximity to outdoor recreation areas and oil/gas industry worker accommodations. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-10% annually, with properties averaging $150-250 per night during peak seasons (May-October) and $80-120 during off-peak periods, achieving 40-60% occupancy rates. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, considering startup costs of $15,000-25,000 for furnishing and marketing a typical 2-3 bedroom property valued at $200,000-350,000. The market benefits from limited hotel options and demand from Colorado River recreation visitors, hunters, and energy sector workers, though seasonal fluctuations and the small population base create some revenue volatility that investors should factor into their 3-5 year investment timeline expectations.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in De Beque, Colorado. Local real estate agents in the Grand Junction area such as Coldwell Banker Mason Morse and RE/MAX 4000 Inc serve the De Beque market and can assist with Airbnb investment properties. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services for short-term rentals in rural Colorado markets. Local property management companies like Grand Valley Property Management may also assist with Airbnb operations in the De Beque area. Investment-focused platforms such as Roofstock and HomeUnion occasionally feature Colorado mountain and rural properties suitable for vacation rentals. Real estate agents specializing in investment properties from firms like Keller Williams and Century 21 in the Grand Junction metropolitan area regularly work with clients seeking Airbnb opportunities in smaller Colorado towns like De Beque.