Is Evansville, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Evansville, Wyoming, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Natrona County planning department, as Evansville typically follows county regulations for short-term rentals which may require special use permits or conditional use permits depending on the zoning district. Contact the Natrona County Planning and Development Department to obtain necessary permits, which typically cost between $200-500 and may require neighbor notifications and public hearings. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with investment properties, focusing on areas near Casper Mountain or along the North Platte River which attract tourists, with property prices ranging from $150,000-400,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture from retailers like Ashley Furniture in Casper or online suppliers, budgeting $15,000-25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including appliances, linens, and amenities. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting Wyoming's outdoor recreation opportunities and proximity to Casper attractions, setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services like Merry Maids Casper, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management software like Hostfully or hiring local companies such as Wyoming Vacation Rentals to handle bookings, guest communication, and maintenance coordination while ensuring compliance with Wyoming's 4% state lodging tax and any local occupancy taxes.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Evansville, Wyoming, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Casper for business traveler access while maintaining the small-town appeal that attracts leisure visitors seeking authentic Wyoming experiences. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these features command $80-150 per night compared to basic accommodations at $50-80. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify gaps in the market, particularly mid-range properties between budget motels and luxury ranches, while monitoring seasonal demand patterns that peak during summer months and hunting seasons. Research competition by examining existing STRs within a 25-mile radius, noting that limited inventory in Evansville creates opportunities for well-positioned properties to capture overflow from Casper's corporate demand and outdoor recreation visitors. Utilize tools like Rabbu for Wyoming-specific market data, connect with Casper Area Realtors for local insights, and leverage the Wyoming Office of Tourism data to understand visitor patterns, while ensuring compliance with Natrona County regulations and considering properties near Highway 220 for easy access to regional attractions like Alcova Reservoir and Independence Rock.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Evansville, Wyoming, you must first contact the Natrona County Planning Department since Evansville falls under county jurisdiction, located at 201 North Center Street in Casper, Wyoming. Submit a completed short-term rental application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, septic system inspection if applicable, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $100. You'll need to schedule and pass a safety inspection covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency egress routes. Evansville specifically requires STR properties to maintain adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, display the permit number in all advertising, and provide neighbors with a 24-hour contact number for complaints. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission of complete application, and you must renew annually by December 31st. Properties must also comply with Wyoming state lodging tax requirements and register with the Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Evansville, Wyoming, as the small unincorporated community in Uinta County operates under Wyoming state law, which does not prohibit STRs at the state level. However, Uinta County may have specific zoning regulations or permit requirements that apply to short-term rental operations, and property owners should verify compliance with local land use codes and any homeowners association restrictions if applicable. The area's proximity to recreational attractions and the Utah border makes it potentially attractive for vacation rentals, but operators must ensure they meet any county licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and tax obligations including Wyoming's state lodging tax. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in rural Wyoming communities due to housing availability concerns, though specific recent legal changes in Evansville are limited given its small size and unincorporated status. Property owners should contact Uinta County planning and zoning departments to confirm current regulations, as rural areas may have restrictions related to septic systems, water rights, or agricultural zoning that could impact STR operations.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Evansville, Wyoming would be the historic downtown district near the Union Pacific Railroad Depot and Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and serves business travelers working with local energy companies. The residential neighborhoods along the North Platte River offer scenic views and appeal to outdoor enthusiasts visiting for fishing, hunting, and recreational activities, particularly during summer months when tourism peaks. Areas near the Evansville Community Center and local parks provide family-friendly accommodations for visitors attending youth sports tournaments and community events. The neighborhoods closest to Casper, approximately 7 miles away, benefit from overflow demand when Casper's accommodations are full during major events like the College National Finals Rodeo or oil and gas industry conferences, making these border areas particularly attractive for investors seeking consistent bookings from both leisure and business travelers.

There are no specific lodging or occupancy taxes applicable to Airbnbs in Evansville, Wyoming, as this small unincorporated community in Natrona County does not impose municipal lodging taxes. However, all short-term rental income is subject to Wyoming's 4% state sales tax, which hosts must collect from guests and remit monthly to the Wyoming Department of Revenue if gross receipts exceed $750 annually. Natrona County does not currently impose a county-level lodging tax on short-term rentals. Hosts must register for a Wyoming sales tax license, collect the 4% tax on the total rental amount including cleaning fees, and file returns by the 19th of the following month along with payment. There are no exemptions for stays under 30 days, and all Airbnb bookings are considered taxable retail sales under Wyoming law, with the platform potentially collecting and remitting taxes on behalf of hosts depending on current agreements with the state.

Starting an Airbnb in Evansville, Wyoming requires approximately $420,000-$480,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $350,000-$400,000 based on median home prices in rural Wyoming markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor runs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies costs $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals total $500-$1,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and heating average $300-$500 monthly or $1,800-$3,000 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing total $8,000-$12,000. Property taxes, estimated at 0.6% annually, add approximately $2,100-$2,400 for six months. Additional considerations include potential property management fees if using services, emergency repair funds, and seasonal utility fluctuations common in Wyoming's climate.

Airbnb properties in Evansville, Wyoming show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $85-120 during peak seasons and $60-85 in off-peak periods, generating annual revenues of approximately $18,000-28,000 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly), resulting in total expenses of roughly $12,000-18,000 annually. Profit margins generally range from 25-40% for successful properties, with higher margins achieved through properties near outdoor recreation areas like the nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest, which attract visitors year-round for hunting, fishing, and hiking activities. Success factors include strategic pricing during hunting seasons (September-November), maintaining high cleanliness standards, providing outdoor gear storage, and targeting the growing remote work market seeking rural retreats. Properties with unique features like mountain views, hot tubs, or proximity to the Green River tend to command premium rates and achieve occupancy rates 15-20% higher than basic accommodations, with some top-performing properties generating net profits of $8,000-12,000 annually.

Airbnb investments in Evansville, Wyoming can expect annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the rural mountain market dynamics and seasonal tourism patterns typical of Wyoming's smaller communities. Properties in Evansville, located near Casper, benefit from proximity to outdoor recreation areas and oil industry workers, with average nightly rates of $85-120 generating gross rental yields of 10-14% annually. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses, with break-even cash flow often achieved by month 8-12 of operation. The market shows strongest performance during summer months (June-September) when tourism peaks, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually, while winter months rely more heavily on business travelers and extended-stay guests from the energy sector.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Evansville, Wyoming. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Evansville Realty Group and Mountain West Properties, both established around 2018-2020 to serve the growing vacation rental market. National services like Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA offer market analysis and property identification tools for the Evansville area, while companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa provide full-service property management once investments are acquired. Regional firms including Wyoming Investment Properties and Cowboy State Rentals focus specifically on short-term rental opportunities throughout Uinta County, leveraging the area's proximity to outdoor recreation and seasonal tourism. Additional services like BiggerPockets marketplace, Roofstock, and local mortgage brokers such as First Interstate Bank and Pinnacle Bank provide financing solutions tailored to investment property purchases in the Evansville market, which has seen increased activity since 2019 due to growing tourism in southwestern Wyoming.