Is Granger, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Granger, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through Sweetwater County and the Town of Granger offices, as Wyoming generally allows short-term rentals but local municipalities may have specific zoning requirements and occupancy limits. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Sweetwater County (approximately $50-100), ensure your property meets fire safety codes, and verify zoning compliance for short-term rentals in residential areas. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a home in Granger's residential neighborhoods, focusing on properties near Interstate 80 for traveler convenience, with typical home prices ranging $150,000-250,000. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, heating suitable for Wyoming winters, basic kitchen appliances, linens, and outdoor gear storage given the area's proximity to recreational activities. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with competitive pricing around $75-125 per night, highlighting proximity to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and historic sites along the Oregon Trail. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining 24/7 communication availability, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and ensuring winter maintenance including snow removal and heating system reliability, while collecting and remitting Wyoming's 4% state sales tax plus any applicable local lodging taxes to Sweetwater County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Granger, Wyoming, focus on properties within 30-45 minutes of major attractions like Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and along Interstate 80 corridors where travelers frequently stop, as Granger serves as a gateway community with limited lodging options. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or large yards that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and families, ensuring properties have reliable internet and modern kitchens since many guests are road-trippers or outdoor adventurers seeking comfort after activities. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 50-mile radius including Green River and Rock Springs, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can command $80-150 per night depending on seasonality, with peak demand during summer months (June-September) when outdoor recreation is highest. Conduct competition research using AirDNA and STR analytics tools to assess occupancy rates in the broader Sweetwater County area, noting that Granger's small size means limited direct competition but also smaller market demand. Utilize resources like the Sweetwater County Assessor's office for property values, Wyoming Tourism Board data for visitor trends, and local Facebook groups or chambers of commerce to understand seasonal patterns, while partnering with real estate agents familiar with the area's unique position as both a historic railroad town and outdoor recreation hub.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Granger, Wyoming, you must first contact the Sweetwater County Planning and Development Department since Granger is an unincorporated community within Sweetwater County, located at 79 West Flaming Gorge Way in Green River, Wyoming, or call (307) 872-6409. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and a business license from Wyoming Secretary of State if operating as a business entity. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-200. You must also obtain a Wyoming state business license through the Secretary of State's office if gross receipts exceed $2,000 annually, which costs $50-100. The approval timeline is typically 30-60 days from submission of complete application materials. Specific Granger/Sweetwater County requirements include maintaining occupancy limits based on septic capacity, providing adequate parking spaces (typically 2 per unit), ensuring compliance with fire safety codes, maintaining a local contact person available 24/7 within 60 miles of the property, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Granger, Wyoming, as the small unincorporated community in Sweetwater County operates under Wyoming state law, which does not prohibit STRs at the state level. However, Sweetwater County may have specific zoning regulations or permit requirements that apply to STR operations within Granger's boundaries. The legal framework is relatively permissive compared to larger Wyoming cities like Jackson, which has implemented strict STR regulations due to housing concerns. Property owners in Granger should verify compliance with any county-level business licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and zoning restrictions that may limit STRs in certain residential areas. Recent changes in Wyoming's approach to STRs have generally focused on taxation and registration rather than outright prohibition, with most regulatory activity occurring at the municipal rather than county level. Given Granger's small size and rural nature, enforcement and restrictions are likely minimal, but operators should still ensure compliance with basic business registration and tax obligations required by Sweetwater County and Wyoming state authorities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Granger, Wyoming are primarily concentrated around the downtown historic district near the Union Pacific Railroad depot, which attracts visitors interested in railroad history and serves business travelers working with BNSF Railway and Union Pacific operations. The residential neighborhoods along Granger Avenue and near Granger Elementary School offer family-friendly accommodations for visitors exploring the nearby Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, approximately 45 minutes south, making them attractive for outdoor enthusiasts and fishing tourists. Properties near Highway 30 and Interstate 80 intersection provide convenient access for travelers heading to Jackson Hole, Salt Lake City, or Denver, capturing overnight stays from road trip tourists. The area around the Granger Community Center benefits from local events and gatherings, while properties with views of the surrounding high desert landscape appeal to visitors seeking authentic Wyoming experiences, hunting parties during fall seasons, and those working temporary positions in the energy sector including wind farm projects that have developed in Sweetwater County since 2019.

In Granger, Wyoming, Airbnb properties are subject to Wyoming's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. Sweetwater County, where Granger is located, imposes an additional county lodging tax of approximately 2-3%, bringing the total lodging tax rate to around 6-7%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Wyoming Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. Property owners who collect taxes independently must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue, obtain a lodging tax license, and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, remitting taxes collected during the previous month. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though documentation may be required to qualify for these exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Granger, Wyoming, expect total costs around $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in rural Wyoming communities. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local suppliers. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $1,200-$2,000 annually, with companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ offering specialized policies. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total approximately $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software like Airbnb or VRBO fees (3-5% of bookings), and marketing expenses total roughly $8,000-$12,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for Wyoming vacation rentals during 2023-2024 market conditions.

Airbnb properties in Granger, Wyoming show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, generating annual revenues of $15,000-35,000 for properties with 40-60% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 35-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (10-20%), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally fall between 15-35% for well-managed properties, with higher-end homes near recreational areas achieving better performance. Success factors include proximity to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (30 miles south), competitive pricing against limited hotel options, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and targeting outdoor enthusiasts visiting during peak summer months (June-September) when occupancy can reach 70-80%. Properties offering amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or accommodating larger groups (6+ guests) command premium rates and achieve occupancy rates 15-20% higher than basic listings, with some successful hosts reporting annual net profits of $8,000-18,000 on properties valued between $200,000-400,000.

Airbnb investments in Granger, 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 outdoor recreation areas and seasonal tourism patterns. Properties in Granger, located along Interstate 80 and serving as a gateway to southwestern Wyoming attractions, generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment. The market benefits from consistent demand from travelers heading to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and hunters during fall seasons, with average daily rates of $85-120 depending on property size and amenities. Investment properties typically require initial capital of $150,000-250,000 for suitable vacation rental homes, with annual gross revenues averaging $18,000-28,000 for well-managed properties. The relatively stable Wyoming economy and limited hotel options in the immediate area contribute to consistent occupancy rates of 45-60% annually, though seasonal fluctuations significantly impact monthly performance with peak earnings occurring during summer months and hunting seasons.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Granger, Wyoming. Local real estate agents like those at Century 21 BHJ Realty and Coldwell Banker The Legacy Group have experience with investment properties in the Lincoln County area and understand the vacation rental market dynamics around Granger. National services include Awning, which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification and management, and Mashvisor, an analytics platform that helps investors evaluate rental property potential in smaller Wyoming markets. RedAwning offers property management and investment consultation services that extend to rural Wyoming locations like Granger. Local property management companies such as Wyoming Vacation Rentals and Jackson Hole-based firms like Rendezvous Mountain Rentals occasionally work with investors in the broader southwestern Wyoming region. AirDNA provides market data and analytics specifically for short-term rental investments that can help evaluate Granger's potential, while Roofstock and BiggerPockets offer investor networking and property discovery tools that include Wyoming markets. Local banks like Bank of Star Valley and First Interstate Bank have commercial lending specialists familiar with investment property financing in Lincoln County.