Is Egg Harbor, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, begin by researching local regulations through Door County's zoning department and Egg Harbor's municipal office, as the village requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Wisconsin Department of Revenue, sales tax permit, and any required fire safety inspections, while ensuring compliance with Door County's tourism tax requirements. Find a suitable property by focusing on areas zoned for commercial or mixed-use, or residential zones that allow short-term rentals, with properties near the waterfront or downtown commanding premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak summer season. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing the coastal Door County aesthetic, including essential amenities like WiFi, full kitchen, linens, and outdoor furniture to capitalize on the area's natural beauty. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photos highlighting lake views, proximity to Peninsula State Park, and local attractions like Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant, using keywords like "Door County getaway" and "Lake Michigan retreat." Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider hiring a property management company familiar with Door County's seasonal tourism patterns, while maintaining competitive pricing that adjusts for peak summer months (June-August), fall color season (September-October), and quieter winter periods.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, focus on locations within walking distance of Green Bay waterfront, downtown shops, and Peninsula State Park entrances, as these areas command premium rates year-round with properties averaging $150-250 per night during peak summer months. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with lake views, outdoor spaces, fireplaces, and updated kitchens, as these features can increase nightly rates by 20-30% compared to basic accommodations. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating $35,000-60,000 annually, while monitoring seasonal fluctuations where summer occupancy reaches 80-90% versus winter's 40-50%. Research competition by analyzing the 150-200 existing STR listings in Door County, focusing on properties within 2 miles of Egg Harbor's core tourist areas, and identify gaps in luxury amenities or unique property types like historic homes or waterfront cabins. Utilize STR-specific tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local property management companies like Door County Vacation Rentals for operational insights, and leverage the Door County Visitor Bureau's tourism data showing 2.1 million annual visitors to optimize your investment strategy in this established vacation rental market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, contact the Village of Egg Harbor Clerk's Office at 7834 Egg Harbor Road or call (920) 868-3334 to begin the application process, as the village requires a short-term rental license for properties rented for less than 30 days. Submit a completed short-term rental application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage naming the village as additional insured, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 25 miles. Pay the annual license fee of approximately $200-300 plus a one-time inspection fee of around $100, then schedule a required property inspection with the building inspector to verify compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. The village requires properties to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency contact information posted, and adequate parking for the maximum occupancy limit. The approval process typically takes 2-4 weeks after submitting complete documentation and passing inspection, with licenses renewable annually by December 31st. Properties must comply with Door County health department regulations for septic systems and well water if applicable, maintain guest registries, and ensure quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM to minimize neighborhood disruption.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, but are subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions implemented by the village. The village typically requires STR operators to obtain proper permits and licenses, comply with occupancy limits, maintain adequate parking, and follow noise ordinances to minimize impacts on residential neighborhoods. Egg Harbor, like many Door County communities, has implemented these regulations in response to the growth of vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO around 2018-2020, balancing tourism revenue with resident concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character. STRs are generally prohibited in certain residential zones or may face restrictions on the number of guests, rental duration minimums, and requirements for local contact persons. Property owners must also comply with state tax collection requirements and local safety standards, with the village conducting periodic reviews of STR policies to address ongoing community concerns about the impact of vacation rentals on local housing stock and quality of life.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin center around the waterfront districts along Green Bay and areas near Peninsula State Park. The Harbor View and Bay Shore neighborhoods offer prime locations with direct water access, attracting summer tourists seeking lakefront experiences and fall visitors drawn to Door County's renowned leaf-peeping season. The downtown historic district near Highway 42 provides excellent walkability to local restaurants, shops, and the Egg Harbor Marina, making it ideal for couples and families visiting during the peak May-October tourism season. Properties near the Egg Harbor Fun Park and Alpine Resort capture family vacation rentals year-round, while areas close to Peninsula State Park's entrance benefit from the park's 1+ million annual visitors who prefer private accommodations over camping. The residential areas along Church Street and County Road G offer more affordable investment opportunities while still providing easy access to beaches and attractions, appealing to budget-conscious travelers and larger groups seeking multi-bedroom properties during Door County's busy summer festival season and winter cross-country skiing months.

Airbnb properties in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Wisconsin's state sales tax of 5% and state room tax of 5%, plus Door County's room tax of 5.5%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 15.5% on short-term rental accommodations. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a seller's permit and collect these taxes from guests, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month for properties with regular bookings. Door County's portion is collected through the same state system but allocated to local tourism promotion and municipal services. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts who opt into their tax collection service, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Properties rented for 30 days or more are typically exempt from room taxes but may still be subject to sales tax, and certain agricultural or educational accommodations may qualify for additional exemptions under Wisconsin tax code.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin is approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase costs around $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in Door County lakefront communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor suitable for vacation rentals. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential zoning approvals cost $500-$1,500 annually. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,500 per year, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Monthly utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$450 per month. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800-$2,700), cleaning services ($1,800-$3,000), maintenance and supplies ($1,000-$2,000), marketing ($500-$1,000), and property management software ($300-$600) total approximately $5,400-$9,300. Additional considerations include potential property taxes of $8,000-$12,000 annually and a recommended cash reserve of $10,000-$15,000 for unexpected repairs and vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, demonstrate strong seasonal profitability with average nightly rates ranging from $150-300 during peak summer months (June-August) and $80-150 in off-season periods. Properties typically generate $25,000-45,000 in annual revenue, with waterfront cottages and homes near Peninsula State Park commanding premium rates up to $400/night during Door County's cherry festival and fall foliage seasons. Operating expenses average 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-400/month), insurance ($1,500-3,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Successful properties maintain 65-75% occupancy rates during peak season and 25-40% in winter months, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Key success factors include proximity to popular attractions like Door County wineries, scenic lakefront locations, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and partnerships with local cleaning services. Properties within walking distance of Egg Harbor's downtown area or with private beach access typically outperform inland locations by 20-30% in both occupancy and nightly rates, with some premium lakefront properties achieving annual profits exceeding $20,000 after all expenses.

Airbnb investments in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's strong tourism demand from Door County visitors seeking lakefront accommodations and seasonal attractions. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Green Bay waters and downtown attractions performing at the higher end of this range. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, particularly for well-positioned vacation rentals that capitalize on Egg Harbor's peak summer season from June through September when occupancy rates reach 75-85%. Properties purchased in the $300,000-$500,000 range with 20-25% down payments typically generate $2,500-$4,200 monthly gross rental income during peak months, while off-season months see reduced income of $800-$1,500 monthly, resulting in average annual net returns of $18,000-$32,000 after expenses including property management, maintenance, and local tourism taxes.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties including in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents in Door County who specialize in vacation rental properties include Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group with agents like those at their Sturgeon Bay office, and Door County Real Estate professionals who understand the seasonal rental market dynamics of the peninsula. National services include Mashvisor which provides Airbnb analytics and investment property search tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning which offers end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property acquisition. RedAwning and Vacasa also provide property management and investment guidance services that extend to Wisconsin markets. Local property management companies like Door County Vacation Rentals and Fish Creek Motel & Cottages often have insights into available investment properties, while regional firms such as First Weber Realtors have agents familiar with the Door County vacation rental market and can assist investors in finding properties suitable for Airbnb conversion in Egg Harbor and surrounding areas.