Is Enterprise, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Enterprise, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Department, as Enterprise falls under county jurisdiction and may require special use permits for short-term rentals. Contact Dickinson County at (785) 263-3774 to verify if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zone and obtain necessary business licenses, which typically cost $25-50 annually. Secure appropriate insurance coverage through companies like Farmers Insurance or State Farm, both with local presence in Kansas, adding short-term rental coverage to your homeowner's policy. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX agents familiar with Enterprise's market, focusing on properties near attractions like the Chisholm Trail or within walking distance of downtown. Furnish the space with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting Enterprise's small-town charm and proximity to Abilene (15 miles away), setting competitive rates around $60-120 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, and maintaining relationships with local service providers like Enterprise's municipal utilities (785-263-8548) for any maintenance needs, while ensuring compliance with Kansas state tax requirements including collecting and remitting applicable sales taxes to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Enterprise, Kansas, focus on properties within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like the Dickinson County Heritage Center or near Highway 15 for easy access. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or ranch-style properties built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and reliable internet, as these appeal to families visiting the area or business travelers. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 20-mile radius, aiming for properties that can generate $80-150 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates to ensure positive cash flow after expenses. Research competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, and local MLS data to identify gaps in the market, particularly focusing on properties that can accommodate larger groups or offer unique amenities like hot tubs or game rooms. Utilize tools like Zillow, Realtor.com, and BiggerPockets for property identification, while leveraging local real estate agents familiar with Dickinson County market trends and connecting with the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce for insights on seasonal tourism patterns and upcoming developments that could impact demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Enterprise, Kansas, contact the Enterprise City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 110 W Santa Fe Street to inquire about short-term rental licensing requirements, as this small city may have recently implemented or be developing STR regulations. You will likely need to submit a business license application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. Required documents typically include a completed application form, property tax records, utility bills, fire safety inspection certificate, and zoning compliance verification. Application fees are estimated at $150-300 initially with annual renewal fees of $75-150, though Enterprise may have lower fees given its size. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, including time for inspections and city council review if required. Enterprise-specific requirements likely include compliance with residential zoning restrictions, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, parking requirements of at least two spaces per unit, noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and maintaining a guest registry for city inspection upon request.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Enterprise, Kansas, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with Kansas state regulations and Dickinson County zoning requirements, which may include business licensing, tax registration with the Kansas Department of Revenue for transient guest tax collection, and adherence to residential zoning restrictions that could limit STR operations in certain neighborhoods. The city follows standard residential property use guidelines, meaning STRs are typically permitted in residential zones but may face restrictions regarding occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. There have been no recent significant legal changes specifically targeting STRs in Enterprise, though operators should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary business permits through the city clerk's office, as small Kansas municipalities like Enterprise may update their regulations periodically to address community concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Enterprise, Kansas include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local events like the annual Enterprise Fun Days festival. The residential neighborhoods surrounding Enterprise State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area are particularly attractive due to outdoor recreation tourism, fishing, and hunting activities that draw visitors year-round. Properties near the Enterprise Community Center and school district appeal to families visiting for sports tournaments and school events. The agricultural areas on the outskirts of town can attract agritourism visitors and those seeking rural experiences, especially during harvest seasons. Additionally, locations with easy access to Highway 15 are valuable for business travelers and those passing through to larger Kansas cities, while properties near local churches and community venues benefit from religious gatherings and family reunions that are common in rural Kansas communities.

Enterprise, Kansas does not have specific lodging or occupancy taxes that apply to Airbnb properties as of 2024. However, Airbnb hosts in Enterprise are subject to Kansas state sales tax at a rate of 6.5%, plus any applicable local sales taxes which can vary by jurisdiction but typically range from 1-4% in Kansas municipalities. The Kansas Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and collect taxes on short-term rental stays of less than 28 consecutive days. Airbnb automatically collects and remits Kansas state sales tax on behalf of hosts through their platform since 2019, but hosts remain responsible for any additional local taxes that may apply in their specific area. Tax remittance is typically done monthly or quarterly depending on the volume of sales, and hosts must file returns even if Airbnb collects the state portion. Stays of 28 days or longer are generally exempt from transient lodging taxes, and certain exemptions may apply for government employees or other qualifying guests, though documentation is required.

To start an Airbnb in Enterprise, Kansas, the total costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $140,000-$160,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals from Enterprise city officials. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits total approximately $500-$800 for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance supplies ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses typically total $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-60% during the initial period while building reviews and visibility in the Enterprise market.

Airbnb properties in Enterprise, Kansas typically generate modest returns due to the small market size and limited tourist demand in this rural community of approximately 800 residents. Average nightly rates range from $60-90 for entire homes, with occupancy rates averaging 35-45% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $8,000-15,000 per year for typical 2-3 bedroom properties. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-35 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), property management (15-25% of revenue), and maintenance typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue. Net profit margins generally range from 8-18%, with successful properties achieving $1,500-4,000 annual profit. Success factors include competitive pricing below $80/night, targeting business travelers and visitors to nearby attractions like Milford Lake (30 miles away), maintaining high cleanliness standards, and offering amenities like WiFi and parking. Properties near Highway 18 or with unique features like farm stays perform better, while standard residential homes struggle with low demand. The market peaked during 2021-2022 when remote work increased rural bookings, but has since normalized to pre-pandemic levels, making Enterprise more suitable for supplemental income rather than primary investment returns.

Airbnb investments in Enterprise, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are estimates given Enterprise's small market size and limited tourism infrastructure. Properties in this rural Kansas community generally require 18-24 months to reach profitability due to lower occupancy rates of 35-50% annually and average daily rates of $75-95, significantly below major metropolitan markets. The investment landscape is challenged by Enterprise's population of approximately 850 residents and limited attractions, though proximity to larger Kansas cities like Wichita (about 45 minutes away) may provide some demand from business travelers and visitors to the region. Initial investment costs are relatively low with median home prices around $85,000-120,000, but investors should expect longer payback periods and more conservative returns compared to established vacation rental markets, with break-even typically occurring within 2-3 years assuming proper property management and marketing strategies.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Enterprise, Kansas. Local real estate agents in the area include Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors, RE/MAX Associates, and Keller Williams Realty who have experience with investment properties in Dickinson County. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa offer comprehensive Airbnb investment analysis and property management services that cover the Enterprise market. BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock also provide investment property listings and analytics for the Kansas market. Local property management companies such as Kansas Property Management Group and Sunflower State Property Management can assist with ongoing operations, while national firms like AvantStay and Hostfully provide technology-driven solutions for short-term rental optimization. Real estate investment firms like HomeVestors and We Buy Ugly Houses occasionally have properties suitable for Airbnb conversion in smaller Kansas markets, and platforms like Mashvisor and AirDNA provide market analysis tools specifically for short-term rental investments in rural Kansas communities like Enterprise.