Is Fairfield, Utah Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Fairfield, Utah, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Utah County's planning department, as Fairfield falls under unincorporated Utah County jurisdiction and may have specific short-term rental restrictions or permit requirements that typically cost $50-200 annually. Contact Utah County at 801-851-8000 to verify current STR regulations and obtain necessary business licenses, which usually require a basic business license ($15-50) and potentially a conditional use permit if operating in residential zones. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, Zillow, or working with local realtors, focusing on properties near outdoor recreation areas like Utah Lake or Tintic Mining District historical sites, with typical investment properties ranging $200,000-400,000 in the area. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and outdoor furniture to appeal to visitors exploring nearby Goshen Bay or camping areas, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for complete furnishing. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting the rural Utah setting and proximity to Salt Lake City (45 minutes), setting competitive rates around $75-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, installing keyless entry systems, creating detailed house rules, and either self-managing or hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa that typically charge 15-25% commission, while maintaining responsive communication with guests and monitoring reviews to ensure consistent 4.5+ star ratings.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Fairfield, Utah, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like Antelope Island State Park and Great Salt Lake recreational areas, as these drive consistent tourist demand year-round. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and mountain or lake views, as these command premium rates of $150-250 per night compared to basic properties at $80-120. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify neighborhoods with 70%+ occupancy rates and average daily rates above $140, particularly in newer developments near recreational access points. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting gaps in amenities like hot tubs, game rooms, or pet-friendly options that could differentiate your property. Utilize Zillow and MLS data to find properties under $400,000 that can generate 12%+ annual returns, while leveraging local Facebook groups, Davis County tourism data, and STR management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa to understand seasonal demand patterns and optimal pricing strategies for this emerging market that benefits from Salt Lake City proximity without urban pricing pressure.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Fairfield, Utah, you must first contact the Fairfield Town Office at 801-768-8932 or visit their office during business hours to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small town may have recently implemented or be developing STR ordinances. You'll likely need to submit a completed business license application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan or floor plan of the property, obtain liability insurance documentation showing minimum $1 million coverage, and pay applicable fees which typically range from $100-300 annually for small Utah municipalities. Required documents usually include a valid driver's license, property tax records, fire safety inspection certificate, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of the property. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks for approval once all documents are submitted, and you may need to attend a town council meeting for final approval. Fairfield likely requires compliance with standard Utah health department regulations, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, adequate parking spaces (typically 2 per unit), and 24/7 contact information posted for guests to address any issues or complaints from neighbors.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Fairfield, Utah are generally permitted but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. As a small unincorporated community in Utah County, Fairfield falls under Utah County's jurisdiction for land use regulations, which typically allow STRs in residential areas with proper licensing and compliance with health and safety standards. The county requires STR operators to obtain business licenses, collect transient room taxes, and ensure properties meet building and fire codes. Common restrictions include occupancy limits based on property size, parking requirements, noise ordinances, and prohibition of events or commercial gatherings. Recent trends in Utah County have included increased scrutiny of STRs in residential neighborhoods due to neighbor complaints about noise and parking issues, leading to enhanced enforcement of existing regulations rather than outright bans. Properties must also comply with septic system regulations given the rural nature of many areas in Fairfield, and operators should verify zoning compliance as some agricultural or conservation zones may restrict commercial activities including short-term rentals.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Fairfield, Utah include the neighborhoods near Utah Lake shoreline, particularly properties with lake access or views, as this area attracts summer recreation visitors, fishing enthusiasts, and families seeking waterfront vacation rentals. The historic downtown district around Main Street offers charm for tourists interested in small-town Utah experiences and serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions like Antelope Island State Park. Properties near the Fairfield Community Center and recreational facilities appeal to sports tournament participants and family gatherings. The residential areas along the foothills on the east side of town provide scenic mountain views and attract visitors seeking peaceful retreats while remaining accessible to Salt Lake City business travelers who prefer quieter accommodations outside the urban core. Areas near local event venues and the town's agricultural heritage sites draw agritourism visitors and those attending local festivals and community events throughout the year.

Airbnb properties in Fairfield, Utah are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Utah's state transient room tax of 4.25% and local transient room taxes that vary by municipality, with Fairfield likely imposing an additional 1-3% local tax rate based on typical Utah county and city structures. These taxes apply to stays of less than 30 consecutive days and are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Utah State Tax Commission on a monthly basis for state taxes, while local taxes may require separate registration and remittance by hosts depending on local agreements with Airbnb. Hosts must register for a Utah sales tax license and may need separate local business licenses, with remittance typically due monthly by the 20th of the following month, and exemptions generally apply only to stays exceeding 30 days or guests with valid tax-exempt certificates from qualifying organizations or government entities.

Starting an Airbnb in Fairfield, Utah 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 Utah County areas. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property typically costs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and decor. Initial setup expenses of $3,000-$5,000 cover professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities. Permits and fees range from $500-$1,500 including business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits total around $500-$800 for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($1,800), maintenance ($1,000), supplies ($800), platform fees ($2,400 assuming $4,000 monthly revenue), and marketing ($500) amount to approximately $7,700. Property taxes and ongoing insurance for six months add another $3,000-$4,000 to initial operating expenses.

Airbnb properties in Fairfield, Utah typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, excellent guest experiences, and efficient operations. Key success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Antelope Island State Park, competitive pricing during peak summer months (May-September), maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, and offering amenities like hot tubs or fire pits that justify premium rates. Properties within 30 minutes of Salt Lake City airport perform particularly well due to business traveler demand, while those near hiking trails and scenic areas attract weekend leisure guests, with occupancy rates averaging 60-75% annually for top-performing listings.

Airbnb investments in Fairfield, Utah typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, based on the area's proximity to recreational attractions and growing tourism market. Properties in Fairfield generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $120-180 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from consistent demand due to nearby Antelope Island State Park and Salt Lake City accessibility, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial investment costs are relatively moderate compared to other Utah markets, with median property prices around $350,000-450,000, allowing investors to leverage financing effectively. Seasonal peaks during summer months (June-September) can push monthly returns above 20%, while winter months typically maintain 6-10% returns, creating a balanced year-round investment opportunity with break-even points typically reached by month 20-26 of operation.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Fairfield, Utah. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Realty agents in nearby Provo and Salt Lake City who cover the Fairfield area, along with RE/MAX and Keller Williams agents who focus on vacation rental investments throughout Utah County. National services like Mashvisor, AirDNA, and BiggerPockets offer market analysis and property identification tools for the Fairfield market, while Awning and RedAwning provide full-service Airbnb investment consulting including property acquisition and management setup. Local property management companies such as Utah Mountain Escapes and Park City Property Management extend services to rural Utah areas including Fairfield, and investment-focused real estate firms like Doorvest and Roofstock occasionally feature Utah mountain properties suitable for short-term rentals, though availability in Fairfield specifically may be limited given its small size and rural location near Utah Lake.