Is Fort Laramie, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through Goshen County and the Town of Fort Laramie, as Wyoming generally has minimal statewide short-term rental restrictions, though local municipalities may require business licenses or occupancy permits. Contact the Fort Laramie Town Clerk's office to determine if you need a business license, lodging permit, or special use permit, and check with Goshen County for any zoning restrictions or health department requirements. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Century 21 or local agents, focusing on properties near Fort Laramie National Historic Site which attracts tourists, with typical home prices ranging from $80,000-$200,000 as of 2023. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and western/historical themed decor to appeal to tourists visiting the historic fort, budgeting approximately $5,000-$15,000 for initial furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos highlighting the property's proximity to the historic site and outdoor activities, set competitive rates around $75-$125 per night based on local market research, and write descriptions emphasizing the historical significance and rural Wyoming experience. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, maintaining the property regularly, and consider hiring local cleaning services from nearby Torrington or Scottsbluff if you're not local, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes as Wyoming has no state income tax but you'll need to report rental income federally.

For identifying profitable STR properties in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Fort Laramie National Historic Site and along Highway 26/160 corridors where tourists frequently travel between Scottsbluff and Casper. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and reliable internet since many visitors are history enthusiasts and families on road trips who value comfort and connectivity. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in Torrington and Guernsey (typically $80-150/night), while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches revealing limited inventory of 15-25 active listings in the broader area. Leverage tools like STR Helper for market analysis, connect with High Plains Realty Group and other local agents familiar with investment properties, and monitor seasonal demand patterns since peak occupancy occurs May through September coinciding with tourist season at the historic fort and Oregon Trail sites. Consider properties near the North Platte River for fishing enthusiasts and ensure compliance with Goshen County short-term rental regulations while targeting cap rates of 8-12% given the rural market dynamics.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, contact the Goshen County Planning and Zoning Department at 307-532-4051 or visit their office at 2125 East A Street in Torrington, as Fort Laramie falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection if applicable, and fire safety compliance certificate. The application fee is estimated at $150-250 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-150. Submit your complete application package to the county planning office, schedule required inspections for septic, fire safety, and zoning compliance which typically take 2-3 weeks to complete, attend a public hearing if required (usually for new applications), and await final approval which generally takes 4-6 weeks total from submission. Specific Fort Laramie area requirements include adherence to rural zoning restrictions, adequate parking for guests, proper waste management systems due to the rural location, and compliance with Wyoming state lodging regulations including occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, as the state maintains a relatively permissive approach to vacation rentals with minimal statewide restrictions. Fort Laramie, being a small unincorporated community in Goshen County with a population under 300, likely operates under county-level regulations rather than specific municipal ordinances governing STRs. Goshen County does not appear to have enacted comprehensive STR restrictions as of 2023, though operators must comply with basic business licensing requirements and collect applicable lodging taxes. The area's proximity to Fort Laramie National Historic Site makes it attractive for short-term rental investments, and no significant prohibited zones or recent legal changes specifically targeting STRs have been implemented in this rural Wyoming location. Property owners should verify current county business license requirements and ensure compliance with state tax collection obligations, but face minimal regulatory barriers compared to more urbanized areas in Wyoming like Jackson or Cheyenne.

Fort Laramie, Wyoming offers limited but focused Airbnb investment opportunities primarily centered around the historic Fort Laramie National Historic Site area and downtown Fort Laramie village. The most attractive area is within a 1-2 mile radius of the National Historic Site, which draws approximately 50,000-75,000 visitors annually interested in Oregon Trail history, frontier military history, and educational tourism. Properties near the Platte River corridor also present opportunities due to fishing and outdoor recreation activities. The small downtown area around Highway 160 benefits from travelers on scenic byways and those visiting nearby Guernsey State Park (about 15 miles away). Business travel is minimal but occasionally includes government contractors, researchers, and park service personnel. The peak season runs May through September, with steady weekend traffic from regional visitors within a 200-mile radius including Denver, Cheyenne, and Rapid City markets. Investment focus should be on 2-3 bedroom properties that can accommodate families and small groups exploring the historic trail sites, with properties featuring period charm or rustic Western aesthetics performing best in this heritage tourism market.

Fort Laramie, Wyoming imposes a 4% local lodging tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which is collected in addition to Wyoming's 4% state sales tax for a combined rate of approximately 8% on lodging. The local lodging tax is typically collected by the host at the time of booking or check-in and must be remitted monthly to Goshen County by the 15th of the following month, with quarterly remittance allowed for smaller operators collecting less than $200 per month in taxes. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some cases through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance and should verify collection with local authorities. The tax applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days, with exemptions generally available for stays exceeding 30 days, certain government employees on official business, and some nonprofit organization activities, though hosts must maintain proper documentation to support any claimed exemptions and register with both the Wyoming Department of Revenue and Goshen County before beginning operations.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Fort Laramie, Wyoming would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $180,000-$200,000 for a median 3-bedroom home suitable for short-term rental in this small historic town. Furnishing costs would range $15,000-$25,000 to fully outfit the property with quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and décor that appeals to tourists visiting the historic fort area. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations would total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approvals would cost $500-$1,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would run $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, internet, and cable would average $200-$300 monthly or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, marketing, and property management would total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential property improvements and a cash reserve for unexpected expenses, making the realistic startup investment closer to the higher end of this range for a successful launch.

Airbnb properties in Fort Laramie, Wyoming face challenging profitability conditions due to the town's small population of approximately 230 residents and limited tourist infrastructure, with average nightly rates estimated at $75-95 compared to Wyoming's statewide average of $120. Properties typically generate annual revenues of $8,000-15,000 with occupancy rates around 25-35%, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning, and maintenance average $12,000-18,000 annually, resulting in negative profit margins of -15% to -25% for most operators. Success factors in this market include proximity to Fort Laramie National Historic Site, offering unique historical experiences, targeting hunters during fall seasons, and maintaining extremely low operating costs through owner management. The few profitable properties are typically debt-free cabins or converted ranch buildings that capitalize on the area's historical significance and outdoor recreation opportunities, with successful hosts like those near the Oregon Trail sites achieving break-even or modest 5-10% profit margins by focusing on educational tourism and multi-day stays from history enthusiasts visiting between May and September.

Airbnb investments in Fort Laramie, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily due to the area's proximity to Fort Laramie National Historic Site and seasonal tourism from travelers exploring the Oregon Trail heritage sites. Properties in this small community of approximately 230 residents can expect to reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $85-120 during peak summer months (May-September) when historical tourism peaks, though occupancy rates average only 35-45% annually due to the rural location and limited year-round attractions. Initial investment costs are relatively low at $150,000-250,000 for suitable properties, but investors should factor in higher per-unit marketing costs and potential seasonal cash flow gaps during winter months when tourism drops significantly.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment opportunities in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, using data analytics to evaluate potential Airbnb returns. Local real estate agents like Century 21 BHJ Realty and RE/MAX Capitol Properties in nearby Torrington and Cheyenne have experience with investment properties in the Fort Laramie area and understand the regional vacation rental market dynamics. National services including Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide comprehensive market analysis and property management solutions for Airbnb investors targeting the Fort Laramie region. Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools that can evaluate Fort Laramie's short-term rental potential, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals familiar with Wyoming's vacation rental regulations. Local property management companies such as Wyoming Property Management Group and High Plains Property Services can assist with day-to-day Airbnb operations in the Fort Laramie area. Investment-focused real estate platforms like Roofstock and Fundrise occasionally feature Wyoming properties suitable for short-term rental conversion, and local mortgage brokers like First Interstate Bank and Pinnacle Bank can provide financing solutions specifically tailored for vacation rental investments in the Fort Laramie market.