Is Gillette, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Gillette, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Gillette Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow rentals in residential areas with proper permits. Contact Campbell County for any additional county-level requirements and ensure compliance with Wyoming state tax obligations including lodging taxes of approximately 4-6%. Find a suitable property in desirable neighborhoods like the Westover Hills area or near downtown Gillette, considering proximity to attractions like the Campbell County Rockpile Museum or energy industry facilities that attract business travelers. Obtain necessary permits including a City of Gillette business license (approximately $50-100 annually), fire safety inspection if required, and register for Wyoming sales tax collection. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities that appeal to both leisure and business travelers, including reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable workspaces given Gillette's role as an energy hub. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting local attractions and energy industry proximity, set competitive pricing based on local hotel rates (typically $80-150 per night), and implement house rules complying with local noise ordinances. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, guest communication systems, and maintenance schedules while staying current with any changes to Gillette's short-term rental regulations and maintaining required insurance coverage.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Gillette, Wyoming, focus on locations near major employers like Powder River Basin coal mines, oil and gas facilities, and Campbell County Medical Center, as these drive consistent business traveler demand. Target properties within 10-15 minutes of downtown Gillette or industrial areas, prioritizing neighborhoods like Westover Hills or areas near Highway 14-16 for accessibility. Seek 2-4 bedroom properties with dedicated workspaces, reliable internet, full kitchens, and parking for work trucks, as many guests are contractors and energy workers staying 1-4 weeks. Price analysis should consider Gillette's average hotel rates of $80-120/night, positioning STRs competitively at $90-140/night while factoring in Wyoming's lack of state income tax benefits. Research competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to analyze the limited STR supply (typically 20-40 active listings), focusing on occupancy rates around 60-70% and average daily rates. Utilize local resources like the Campbell County Economic Development Corporation for market insights, partner with Gillette realtors familiar with investment properties, and monitor energy sector employment trends through Wyoming Mining Association reports, as Gillette's STR success directly correlates with energy industry activity and worker housing shortages.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Gillette, Wyoming, you must first contact the Gillette Planning Department at City Hall located at 510 S. Gillette Avenue to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city requires a conditional use permit for STR operations in most residential areas. Submit an application for a conditional use permit along with required documents including a site plan, floor plan showing the rental unit, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million coverage), contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and waste management plan. The application fee is approximately $350-500, and you must also pay for public notice costs of around $200-300 for newspaper advertisements and property posting. Schedule a pre-application meeting with planning staff, then submit your complete application which will be reviewed by the Planning Commission at their monthly meeting, requiring notification to neighbors within 200 feet of the property. The entire process typically takes 60-90 days from application submission to final approval, and once approved, you must obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for an additional $50 annually and register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for state lodging taxes. The city limits STR operations to owner-occupied properties or requires a local contact person available 24/7, mandates compliance with International Building Code standards, and requires annual renewal of permits with inspection.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Gillette, Wyoming, as the city does not have comprehensive regulations specifically prohibiting them as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements and zoning ordinances that may restrict commercial activities in certain residential areas. The city requires STRs to obtain a business license and comply with health and safety codes, fire regulations, and occupancy limits. While there are no specific prohibited areas designated solely for STR restrictions, operators must ensure their properties comply with existing zoning laws, which may limit STRs in certain residential zones depending on the property's zoning classification. Recent legal changes have been minimal, with the city taking a relatively hands-off approach compared to larger Wyoming municipalities, though property owners should verify current zoning compliance and may need to register as a business entity. The regulatory environment remains relatively permissive, with enforcement typically occurring through complaint-driven processes rather than proactive monitoring.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Gillette, Wyoming are the downtown core near Gillette Avenue and 4th Street, which attracts business travelers working in the energy sector and offers proximity to restaurants and services; the residential neighborhoods around Cam-Plex Multi-Event Facilities on Garner Lake Road, which benefit from year-round events, rodeos, concerts, and sports tournaments drawing visitors from across the region; and the newer developments near Highway 14-16 corridor including areas around Gillette College, which appeal to both business travelers and families visiting students or attending college events. These locations are attractive because Gillette serves as a major hub for Wyoming's coal and oil industries, generating consistent business travel demand, while Cam-Plex hosts over 400 events annually including the PRCA rodeo circuit, bringing thousands of visitors who need short-term accommodations, and the proximity to Thunder Basin National Grassland and Devils Tower (about 60 miles away) creates additional tourism opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and sightseers.

In Gillette, Wyoming, Airbnb properties are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. Wyoming imposes a 4% state lodging tax on all short-term rental accommodations under 30 days, which applies to the gross receipts from lodging services. Campbell County, where Gillette is located, typically adds a local lodging tax of approximately 2-4%, bringing the total lodging tax rate to around 6-8%. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to the Wyoming Department of Revenue for state taxes and to Campbell County for local taxes, with returns due by the 20th of the following month. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some jurisdictions, but hosts should verify their local arrangement and register for tax permits if required. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for stays by government employees or certain other categories, though specific exemptions vary by local ordinance and should be confirmed with local tax authorities.

Starting an Airbnb in Gillette, Wyoming requires approximately $285,000-$320,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees in Campbell County include business license ($100-$200), potential zoning permits ($200-$500), and any required inspections totaling $500-$1,000. Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage average $2,000-$3,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services require $1,000-$2,000 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($800-$1,200 monthly), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-$400 monthly), platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management software ($50-$100 monthly) total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates typical for Gillette's market driven by energy sector workers and travelers.

Airbnb properties in Gillette, Wyoming typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes and $8,000-$18,000 for apartments, with occupancy rates averaging 45-60% due to the city's oil and gas industry workforce demand. Operating expenses generally run 40-55% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Net profit margins typically range from 25-40% for well-managed properties, with three-bedroom homes near downtown or industrial areas performing best due to corporate housing demand from companies like Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy. Success factors include targeting monthly stays for oil field workers, maintaining competitive pricing ($80-$140 nightly for homes, $60-$95 for apartments), and focusing on practical amenities like WiFi, laundry, and parking rather than luxury features. Properties within 10 miles of active drilling sites or the Powder River Basin operations tend to achieve higher occupancy rates, while seasonal fluctuations tied to energy sector activity can impact annual performance by 15-25%.

Airbnb investments in Gillette, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the town's proximity to energy sector operations and outdoor recreation activities in the Powder River Basin. Properties near downtown Gillette or close to Campbell County recreational areas can achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $85-120 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from consistent demand from energy workers, hunters, and visitors to nearby attractions, though seasonal fluctuations occur with peak performance during summer months (June-September) and hunting seasons. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 2-3 years for well-positioned properties, with long-term appreciation averaging 3-5% annually based on Wyoming's energy sector stability and limited housing inventory in the region.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Gillette, Wyoming, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents like those at Century 21 BHJ Realty and RE/MAX Professionals have experience with investment properties in the Gillette market and understand the local rental dynamics driven by the energy sector workforce. National services including Awning, RedAwning, and Mashvisor provide data-driven insights for Airbnb investment opportunities in smaller markets like Gillette. Local property management companies such as High Plains Property Management and Powder River Property Management offer services that can help investors identify suitable properties while providing ongoing management solutions. AirDNA and Rabbu are additional national platforms that provide market analytics and property performance data specifically for short-term rental investments in Wyoming markets. Regional real estate firms like Wyoming Real Estate Network and local independent agents familiar with Campbell County's rental market can assist in finding properties near industrial areas where temporary housing demand is consistent due to oil and gas industry workers.