Is Dubois, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Dubois, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through Fremont County and the Town of Dubois, as Wyoming generally allows short-term rentals but local municipalities may have specific requirements including business licenses, occupancy permits, and tax registration with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for lodging taxes (approximately 4% state tax plus local taxes). Obtain necessary permits by contacting Dubois Town Hall for business licenses, fire department inspections, and any zoning compliance requirements, while registering for Wyoming sales tax and lodging tax collection. Find suitable property by focusing on areas near the Wind River Range, downtown Dubois, or properties with mountain views, considering that median home prices in the area range from $300,000-$600,000 as of 2023, and ensure the property meets Wyoming's habitability standards and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements where applicable. Furnish the property with rustic Western décor appealing to tourists visiting nearby attractions like Grand Teton National Park (45 minutes away) and Yellowstone National Park (90 minutes), including essential amenities like high-speed internet, heating systems capable of handling Wyoming winters, and outdoor gear storage. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with competitive pricing around $150-$300 per night depending on size and amenities, highlighting proximity to outdoor activities like fishing the Wind River, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with Wyoming's harsh weather conditions, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with ongoing tax obligations and guest safety requirements including carbon monoxide detectors and fire safety equipment suitable for Wyoming's elevation and climate conditions.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Dubois, Wyoming, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of downtown or near key attractions like the Wind River Range access points, as proximity to outdoor recreation drives demand in this gateway community of approximately 1,000 residents. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, mountain or river views, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and amenities appealing to outdoor enthusiasts such as gear storage, hot tubs, or large kitchens for group cooking. Pricing analysis should consider seasonal variations with peak rates of $150-300/night during summer months (June-September) when tourism peaks, and lower winter rates of $80-150/night, while monitoring comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 10-mile radius. Competition research reveals limited inventory due to the town's small size, creating opportunities for well-positioned properties, though you'll compete with established lodges like the Rustic Pine Tavern and Twin Pines Lodge. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data, STR Helper for performance metrics, and local resources including the Dubois Chamber of Commerce for tourism trends, while considering properties near the National Bighorn Sheep Center, Triangle C Ranch area, or along the Wind River for maximum appeal to the hunting, fishing, and hiking demographics that drive Dubois's tourism economy.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Dubois, Wyoming, you must first contact the Fremont County Planning Department at 450 N 2nd St, Lander, WY 82520, as Dubois falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Submit a completed short-term rental application form along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance coverage (minimum $1 million recommended), septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and fire safety compliance documentation. The application fee is typically $150-250 with an annual renewal fee of $100-150. You must also register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for state lodging tax collection and obtain a business license from Fremont County. The property must meet specific requirements including adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), proper septic capacity for maximum occupancy, compliance with residential zoning restrictions, and adherence to noise ordinances. The approval process generally takes 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, during which time the county may conduct an on-site inspection. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all advertising and maintain guest registration records for inspection purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Dubois, Wyoming, as the town does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2023. Dubois operates under Fremont County regulations, which typically allow STRs but may require basic business licensing and compliance with health and safety standards. The town has not implemented the restrictive zoning limitations seen in larger Wyoming municipalities like Jackson or Teton County, where STRs face significant restrictions in residential areas. Property owners in Dubois can typically operate vacation rentals in most residential zones, though they must comply with standard occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Recent trends show Wyoming communities increasingly adopting STR regulations due to housing concerns, but Dubois has maintained a relatively permissive approach, likely due to its smaller size and tourism-dependent economy. Operators should verify current licensing requirements with Fremont County and ensure compliance with state tax obligations, as Wyoming requires STR operators to collect and remit state and local lodging taxes.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Dubois, Wyoming include the downtown historic district along Ramshorn Street and West Ramshorn Street, which attracts tourists visiting the National Museum of Military Vehicles and guests seeking authentic western town experiences. The residential areas near the Wind River and Horse Creek offer scenic waterfront properties popular with fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers visiting nearby Shoshone National Forest. Properties along US Highway 26/287 provide convenient access for travelers heading to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, making them ideal for tourist overflow during peak summer seasons from June through September. The areas near the Dubois Museum and around the town's western-themed businesses benefit from the annual Dubois Rendezvous celebration and consistent hunting season traffic from September through November. Neighborhoods close to the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail system attract winter sports enthusiasts, while properties with mountain views toward the Absaroka Range command premium rates year-round due to their proximity to wilderness areas and the growing popularity of Dubois as a gateway community for outdoor recreation activities.

Airbnb properties in Dubois, Wyoming are subject to Wyoming's state 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. Fremont County imposes an additional 2% lodging tax that applies to all accommodations including Airbnbs, bringing the total lodging tax to 6%. The Town of Dubois levies a 4% local lodging tax on short-term rentals, making the combined rate approximately 10% for most Airbnb stays. Property owners must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for a lodging tax license and file returns even if no tax is due for a given period. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform in Wyoming as of 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 accommodations provided to permanent residents. Local business licenses may also be required from the Town of Dubois for operating short-term rentals within city limits.

Starting an Airbnb in Dubois, Wyoming requires approximately $485,000-$565,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $350,000-$425,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $25,000-$35,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor gear appropriate for the location. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Teton County include business license ($150), short-term rental permit ($500-$1,000), and potential HOA approvals totaling approximately $1,500-$2,000. Insurance costs run $2,500-$4,000 annually for comprehensive short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, sewer, internet, and propane average $1,500-$2,500 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($800/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($300/month), marketing ($200/month), and platform fees (3% of bookings) total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for Dubois vacation rentals during peak seasons.

Airbnb properties in Dubois, Wyoming, typically generate annual revenues of $15,000-$35,000 for modest cabins and $40,000-$65,000 for larger vacation homes, with occupancy rates averaging 45-60% due to seasonal tourism patterns centered around Yellowstone National Park access and outdoor recreation. Operating expenses generally range from $8,000-$18,000 annually for smaller properties and $20,000-$35,000 for larger homes, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-150 per turnover), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,500 annually), and maintenance. Net profit margins typically fall between 25-45% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those operating renovated ranch cabins near the Wind River achieving $28,000 annual profits on $52,000 revenue through strategic pricing during peak summer months ($180-250/night) and winter snowmobile season. Key success factors include proximity to outdoor attractions, professional photography showcasing mountain views, responsive guest communication, and partnerships with local outfitters, though properties face challenges from Wyoming's short tourist season, weather-related cancellations, and increasing competition from new STR developments targeting the Jackson Hole overflow market.

Airbnb investments in Dubois, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the town's proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone's east entrance which creates strong seasonal demand from May through September. Properties in Dubois generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $150-250 during peak summer months and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and growing outdoor recreation tourism, though investors should expect higher vacancy rates during winter months (November-March) when occupancy can drop to 25-35%, making properties with strong summer performance and reasonable acquisition costs in the $300,000-500,000 range most viable for achieving these return metrics.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Dubois, Wyoming. Local real estate agents like Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates and Dubois Properties have experience with vacation rental investments in the area, while Century 21 BHJ Realty and Fremont County Real Estate also serve investors seeking Airbnb opportunities in Dubois. National services include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics, AirDNA for market data analysis, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. RedAwning offers property management and acquisition services for short-term rentals, while Vacasa provides both property management and investment guidance. Local property management companies like Wind River Property Management and Wyoming Vacation Rentals can assist with both finding properties and managing them post-purchase. Additional national platforms include Roofstock, which occasionally features short-term rental properties, and local investment groups through the Wyoming Real Estate Investors Association that focus on the Dubois market for vacation rental opportunities.