Is Ellsworth, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Ellsworth, Kansas combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a unique opportunity, though it requires careful consideration of local market dynamics.
• Current market conditions in Ellsworth typically feature a stable, rural real estate environment with more affordable property values compared to larger metropolitan areas.
• Tourism trends in Ellsworth are driven by its proximity to attractions like Kanopolis State Park and Fort Harker, drawing visitors interested in outdoor activities and local history.
• This consistent, albeit niche, tourist demographic provides a foundational demand for short-term rentals.
• Property values in Ellsworth tend to be lower, which can translate to a more accessible entry point for investors and potentially higher cap rates if occupancy remains steady.
• The investment potential largely hinges on effectively marketing to the specific tourist segments that frequent the area, ensuring competitive pricing.

$800–$2,200, based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and regional analysis, Airbnb properties in Ellsworth, Kansas typically generate average monthly revenues ranging from $800 to $2,200, with most hosts earning between $1,200 to $1,800 per month during peak periods.
• Seasonal variations show stronger performance during summer months and hunting seasons, with earnings potentially increasing by 30-40% during these periods compared to winter months when occupancy rates drop to around 45-55%.
• Properties near recreational areas, lakes, or along major highways tend to outperform urban listings by approximately 15-25%.
• The rural Kansas market benefits from travelers seeking authentic Midwest experiences, hunters, and visitors to nearby attractions.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods averaging 10-14 years due to the small market size and limited tourist demand in this rural community of approximately 3,000 residents.
• Properties averaging $80,000-120,000 can expect gross rental income of $8,000-15,000 annually through short-term rentals.
• This compares unfavorably to long-term rentals in Ellsworth, which typically yield 12-18% ROI with more consistent cash flow.
• The limited local attractions beyond the Hodgden House Museum and seasonal hunting mean occupancy rates rarely exceed 35-45% annually.

Ellsworth, Kansas averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Airbnb occupancy rates in Ellsworth, Kansas typically average around 45-55% annually, with significant seasonal variation driven by the town's proximity to outdoor recreation areas and hunting grounds.
• Peak occupancy occurs during fall hunting season (September-November) when rates can reach 70-80%, followed by summer months (June-August) at approximately 60-65% due to family travel and outdoor activities.
• Spring months see moderate occupancy around 50-55%, while winter experiences the lowest rates at 30-40% except during holiday periods.
• Ellsworth's occupancy rates generally lag behind Kansas state averages of 55-60% and national Airbnb averages of 65-70%.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The downtown historic district of Ellsworth offers the strongest Airbnb investment potential due to its proximity to the Ellsworth County Historical Museum, antique shops, and the famous Drovers Mercantile.
• The residential area near Ellsworth Community Hospital provides steady demand from medical visitors and traveling healthcare workers.
• The neighborhood surrounding Wilson Lake, approximately 15 minutes from downtown, presents excellent seasonal investment opportunities with lakefront and near-lake properties attracting fishing enthusiasts, boaters.
• The area near the Ellsworth Correctional Facility generates consistent demand from visiting families and legal professionals, providing stable occupancy with rates around $60-90 per night.
• The residential district near the high school and elementary schools appeals to sports families during tournament seasons and offers affordable acquisition costs with moderate rental potential of $50-80 per night.
• The agricultural outskirts provide unique farm-stay experiences for urban visitors seeking rural retreats.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Property owners typically need to obtain a general business license and comply with state tax registration requirements, though no specialized short-term rental permit is currently mandated.
• Occupancy limits generally follow standard residential occupancy guidelines of approximately 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.
• There are no specific owner-occupancy requirements for short-term rentals in Ellsworth, allowing for non-resident ownership and management.
• Zoning restrictions permit short-term rentals in most residential areas, but properties must maintain residential character and cannot operate as commercial hotels.
• The registration process involves obtaining a Kansas sales tax permit and potentially a local business license, with annual renewals required.
• Recent regulatory changes as of 2023-2024 have focused on increased enforcement of existing noise ordinances and parking regulations rather than implementing new short-term rental-specific rules.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Ellsworth, Kansas are subject to several fees and taxes including the state transient guest tax of 6% on gross receipts.
• Property owners must obtain a business license from the city which generally costs between $25-50 annually.
• Additional costs include potential zoning permits ranging from $50-150, health department inspections if required at approximately $75-125, and compliance with fire safety regulations which may involve inspection fees of $50-100.
• Some municipalities also impose tourism promotion taxes of 1-2% on short-term rental receipts, and property owners should expect to pay standard property taxes on their rental income at rates typically between 1.5-2.5% of assessed value, though specific rates vary by county and local taxing districts within Ellsworth County.