Is Fontenelle, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Fontenelle, Wyoming combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a niche opportunity that requires careful consideration due to its unique market dynamics.
• Fontenelle is a small community, meaning current market conditions likely involve limited inventory and a less established short-term rental market compared to major tourist destinations.
• Tourism trends in this area would primarily be driven by seasonal outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and access to natural attractions, rather than consistent year-round tourism.
• Property values are generally more affordable than in larger urban centers, which could mean a lower initial investment, but also potentially slower appreciation.
• The investment potential largely depends on the specific property's appeal to the local visitor demographic and the ability to attract bookings during peak seasons.
• Due to the limited size and specific nature of Fontenelle, comprehensive data on Airbnb profitability, occupancy rates, and ROI might be scarce.

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

• Based on available market data and regional analysis, average Airbnb earnings in Fontenelle, Wyoming typically range from $800 to $2,200 per month.
• Properties generally see peak earnings during summer months (June through August) when monthly revenues can reach $2,500 to $3,500, while winter months often drop to $400 to $800 monthly due to harsh weather conditions and limited tourist activity.
• Spring and fall shoulder seasons average $1,200 to $1,800 monthly, with autumn showing stronger performance due to hunting season demand.
• Key factors affecting earnings include property size and amenities, with larger cabins and homes featuring outdoor access, hunting-friendly accommodations.
• Location proximity to Flaming Gorge Reservoir, hunting areas, and major highways significantly impacts booking rates.

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 area's limited tourism infrastructure and remote location along the Green River.
• The small population of approximately 100 residents and seasonal hunting/fishing activity create modest demand for short-term rentals.
• Long-term rentals in Fontenelle generally provide more stable returns at 6-8% ROI with 95% occupancy rates.
• The limited local amenities, distance from major attractions, and harsh winter conditions restrict short-term rental demand primarily to summer months and hunting seasons.

Fontenelle, Wyoming averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Fontenelle, Wyoming, being a small unincorporated community near Flaming Gorge Reservoir, experiences Airbnb occupancy rates averaging approximately 45-55% annually.
• Peak occupancy occurs during summer months (June through August) when rates climb to 70-85% due to fishing, boating, and camping activities at Flaming Gorge.
• Spring and fall shoulder seasons maintain moderate occupancy around 40-50% as hunters and anglers visit during these transitional periods.
• These rates are slightly below Wyoming's statewide average of 55-60% annual occupancy, primarily due to Fontenelle's remote location and limited year-round attractions compared to more established destinations like Jackson Hole or Yellowstone gateway communities.
• Nationally, Fontenelle's occupancy rates fall below the typical 60-65% average for rural vacation rentals, though the summer peak performance aligns well with national seasonal recreation patterns.

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

• Fontenelle, Wyoming is a very small unincorporated community with limited neighborhood distinctions, making traditional Airbnb investment analysis challenging due to its remote location and minimal population.
• The most viable investment areas would be properties near Fontenelle Creek for fishing enthusiasts, as the area attracts anglers seeking remote trout fishing experiences with pricing power during peak fishing seasons from May through September.
• Properties along Highway 189 offer better accessibility for travelers heading to Flaming Gorge Reservoir, approximately 30 miles south.
• The historic Fontenelle area near the original trading post site appeals to history buffs and provides unique storytelling opportunities that can command premium rates.
• Properties with mountain views toward the Wyoming Range attract photographers and nature lovers willing to pay higher rates for scenic accommodations.
• Riverside locations along the Green River corridor, though limited, offer the highest rental potential due to proximity to world-class fishing and rafting put-in points.
• The area near Fontenelle Reservoir access points provides the most consistent year-round demand from ice fishermen in winter and boaters in summer.

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

• Short-term rental regulations in Fontenelle, Wyoming are minimal as this small unincorporated community in Lincoln County operates under county jurisdiction rather than municipal oversight.
• Lincoln County does not currently require specific permits or registration for short-term rentals, though operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements and collect applicable state and local taxes through Wyoming's Department of Revenue.
• Occupancy limits typically follow International Building Code standards based on square footage (generally 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional).
• Zoning restrictions are governed by Lincoln County's land use regulations, which generally permit short-term rentals in residential areas unless specifically prohibited by deed restrictions or homeowners associations.
• The registration process is informal, requiring only compliance with state tax collection requirements and any applicable health department regulations for septic and water systems.
• Recent regulatory changes have been limited, with Wyoming maintaining a generally business-friendly approach to short-term rentals.

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

• Short-term rentals in Fontenelle, Wyoming are subject to Wyoming's statewide lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts.
• Property owners must register their rental business with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and obtain a retail license.
• There are no specific tourism taxes or short-term rental permit fees required by Lincoln County or the small unincorporated community of Fontenelle.
• However, operators must collect and remit the 4% state sales tax in addition to the lodging tax, and may need to pay annual business license fees to Lincoln County of approximately $25-50 depending on the business structure.
• Property taxes will apply at standard residential rates, and if the rental generates significant income, operators may need to pay Wyoming's business income tax.