Is Eagle, Idaho Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Eagle, Idaho, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Eagle Planning Department, as Eagle requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow STRs in residential zones with specific conditions. Obtain a business license from Ada County and register for Idaho state tax collection, then apply for Eagle's short-term rental permit which costs approximately $200-300 annually and requires property inspections, parking compliance (usually 2 spaces), and neighbor notification within 300 feet. Find a suitable property in Eagle's desirable neighborhoods near the Boise River or Eagle Hills, considering properties that meet the city's occupancy limits (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional) and parking requirements. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, and amenities while ensuring compliance with Eagle's safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency contact information posted prominently. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photos highlighting Eagle's outdoor recreation access and proximity to Boise, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand (higher during summer months and ski season). Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, coordinating with local cleaning services in Eagle, implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive guest communication, collecting and remitting Idaho's 6% state sales tax plus Ada County's lodging tax, and ensuring ongoing compliance with Eagle's annual permit renewals and any noise ordinance requirements that typically restrict quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Eagle, Idaho, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Boise's downtown core, near the Boise River for recreational access, or close to Eagle Hills Golf Course and local parks, as these areas attract both business travelers and leisure guests year-round. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, garages, and mountain or river views, as Eagle's affluent demographic expects higher-end accommodations. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where nightly rates of $150-300 can generate 15-20% annual returns, considering Eagle's seasonal patterns with peak demand during summer months and Boise State University events. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in luxury amenities or unique property features like hot tubs, game rooms, or proximity to hiking trails in the nearby Boise Foothills. Utilize local resources including the Eagle Chamber of Commerce for market insights, Intermountain MLS for property data, STR Helper for regulatory compliance with Ada County's short-term rental ordinances, and connect with local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa who understand Eagle's specific market dynamics and can provide occupancy rate benchmarks for different neighborhoods.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Eagle, Idaho, you must first contact the Eagle Planning Department at City Hall located at 660 E Civic Lane to determine if your property is in a zone that allows short-term rentals, as Eagle restricts STRs to certain residential zones with specific conditions. Submit an application through the city's planning department including a completed STR permit application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking areas and property layout, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), emergency contact information for a local representative available 24/7, and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules and occupancy limits. The application fee is approximately $200-400 with annual renewal fees around $150-250, and the review process typically takes 4-6 weeks including a public notice period and potential neighborhood input. Eagle requires STRs to maintain residential character, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate off-street parking (usually 2 spaces minimum), display the permit number in all advertising, maintain a guest registry, and comply with noise ordinances and waste management requirements. Once approved, you must also register with the Idaho State Tax Commission for lodging tax collection and may need additional permits from Ada County for health and safety inspections depending on the property size and amenities.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Eagle, Idaho, but are subject to specific regulations implemented by the city. Eagle requires STR operators to obtain a business license and conditional use permit, with properties limited to a maximum occupancy based on bedroom count plus two additional guests. The city prohibits STRs in certain residential zones and requires properties to meet specific parking requirements, noise ordinances, and safety standards including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Operators must provide 24-hour contact information to neighbors and the city, and violations can result in permit revocation. In 2022-2023, Eagle updated its STR ordinances to address neighborhood concerns about parking, noise, and property maintenance, implementing stricter enforcement mechanisms and requiring annual permit renewals. The regulations aim to balance tourism revenue with residential neighborhood character preservation, and properties must comply with all applicable building codes and HOA restrictions where applicable.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Eagle, Idaho include the Eagle Hills neighborhood near the Boise River, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, rafting, and hiking activities year-round, and the downtown Eagle historic district around State Street, which draws visitors to local restaurants, shops, and the Eagle Fun Days festival held annually in August. The Eagle Island State Park vicinity offers strong rental potential due to proximity to swimming, camping, and recreational activities, particularly during summer months when Boise-area residents seek weekend getaways. Properties near Eagle Ranch Golf Club and Banbury Golf Course appeal to golf tourists and corporate retreat groups, especially during the peak season from April through October. The newer subdivisions like Bangle Ranch and Avimor (technically in Eagle's sphere) attract families visiting the area for youth sports tournaments at local facilities and business travelers working with companies in the nearby Boise metropolitan area, with Micron Technology and other tech companies driving consistent demand for short-term accommodations.

In Eagle, Idaho, Airbnb properties are subject to Idaho state sales tax at 6% and Ada County local option tax at 0.5%, totaling 6.5% on lodging rentals. Additionally, there is a local lodging tax of 2% that applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking if the host uses Airbnb's tax collection service, which automatically calculates and remits taxes to the appropriate authorities. For hosts not using Airbnb's collection service, they must register with the Idaho State Tax Commission and Ada County to collect and remit taxes monthly or quarterly depending on volume. The city of Eagle may also require a business license for short-term rental operations. Exemptions typically apply to rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term stays rather than transient lodging. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections for audit purposes, and failure to properly collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from both state and local tax authorities.

To start an Airbnb in Eagle, Idaho, expect total costs around $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $580,000-$650,000 based on Eagle's median home prices as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and city compliance requirements. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage average $2,000-$3,000 annually, with first-year payment required upfront. Utility deposits and connections cost approximately $500-$800 for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($3,600-$4,800 assuming $150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($2,000), property management software ($300-$600), and marketing ($1,000-$2,000) total roughly $8,100-$11,200. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees if applicable and emergency repair funds, bringing the comprehensive startup investment to the upper range of the estimate.

Airbnb properties in Eagle, Idaho demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-$300 depending on property size and amenities, generating annual revenues of $35,000-$65,000 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 3% Airbnb service fees, 15-20% for utilities and supplies, and 10-15% for property management if outsourced, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for most operators. Success factors in Eagle include proximity to Boise River activities, modern mountain-style furnishings, hot tubs, and targeting the growing corporate travel market from nearby Boise tech companies like Micron Technology. Properties near Eagle Island State Park and those offering river access command premium rates, with some luxury cabins achieving $400+ nightly rates during peak summer and winter seasons. Local operators report that 3-bedroom homes with outdoor amenities consistently outperform smaller units, with several case studies showing properties purchased for $450,000-$600,000 generating 12-18% annual returns when factoring in both rental income and property appreciation in Eagle's rapidly growing market.

Based on Eagle, Idaho market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near Eagle Island State Park and downtown Eagle command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak seasons, while standard residential properties average $100-180 nightly. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even on cash investment typically achieved in 6-8 years. The market benefits from proximity to Boise's tech corridor, outdoor recreation demand, and limited hotel inventory, though seasonal fluctuations see 40-50% occupancy drops during winter months. Properties requiring minimal renovation in established neighborhoods like Banbury or Eagle Hills tend to achieve the higher end of ROI ranges, while fixer-uppers may see 2-3 year longer profitability timelines but potentially higher long-term returns of 15-22% annually once stabilized.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Eagle, Idaho, providing market analysis and investment metrics. Locally, Silvercreek Realty Group and Windermere Real Estate have agents experienced in investment properties and vacation rentals in the Eagle area. Keller Williams Realty Boise and Coldwell Banker Tomlinson also have investment-focused agents serving Eagle and surrounding Treasure Valley markets. National services include Mashvisor, which offers Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning for full-service Airbnb investment management. RedAwning provides vacation rental market insights, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals. Local property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning Property Management can assist with identifying investment opportunities while offering management services. Investment-focused real estate agents such as those at eXp Realty and RE/MAX in the Boise metro area frequently work with Airbnb investors in Eagle, given its proximity to recreational areas and growing tourism market.