Is Green, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Green, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Green City Hall and Barber County offices, as many small Kansas towns require short-term rental permits or business licenses that typically cost $50-150 annually. Contact the Green city clerk to determine if residential properties can legally operate as short-term rentals and obtain necessary permits, which may include a business license, occupancy permit, and sales tax registration with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering homes near Green's main attractions or along Highway 160, with properties typically ranging from $40,000-80,000 in this rural area. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-5,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions highlighting Green's proximity to outdoor activities and small-town charm, and competitive pricing around $60-90 per night based on comparable rural Kansas markets. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and ensuring compliance with Kansas state tax requirements by collecting and remitting applicable lodging taxes, while building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance providers in nearby larger towns like Medicine Lodge or Pratt for ongoing support.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Green, Kansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of major attractions like local lakes, hunting areas, or agricultural event centers, as rural Kansas markets often cater to outdoor recreation and agribusiness travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or farmhouses with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and reliable high-speed internet, as these features appeal to families and business travelers in smaller Kansas communities. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates ($75-120 estimated for Green market) and occupancy rates (likely 40-60% annually), while researching comparable properties within 15-mile radius since rural markets have limited direct competition. Utilize STR Helper and AllTheRooms to analyze existing listings, focusing on properties near agricultural facilities, small lakes, or along major highways like US-400 or K-54 that connect to larger cities like Wichita. Leverage local Facebook groups, Chamber of Commerce resources, and county tourism boards to understand seasonal demand patterns, particularly during hunting seasons, county fairs, and agricultural conferences, while ensuring compliance with Butler County regulations and any municipal STR ordinances that may exist in Green.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Green, Kansas, contact the Green City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 201 N Main Street or call (620) 723-2105 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, submit a site plan showing the property layout, obtain a certificate of occupancy, provide proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage, and pass a fire safety inspection conducted by the Green Fire Department. Required documents also include a valid Kansas business license, completed background check, and neighbor notification forms signed by adjacent property owners within 150 feet. The application fee is typically $150 with an annual renewal fee of $75, plus inspection fees of approximately $50. The timeline for approval ranges from 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, provided all inspections pass and there are no zoning conflicts. Green-specific requirements include limiting occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom with a maximum of 8 total guests, maintaining off-street parking for each rental unit, ensuring 24/7 local contact availability within 30 minutes response time, and adhering to quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM with no outdoor amplified music permitted.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Green, Kansas, but operate under minimal local regulation as the city has not enacted comprehensive STR ordinances as of 2024. Green falls under Butler County jurisdiction, where STRs are generally permitted in residential areas provided they comply with basic zoning requirements and state tax obligations including Kansas sales tax and transient guest tax collection. The city does not currently prohibit STRs in specific neighborhoods, though operators must ensure compliance with general housing codes, fire safety standards, and noise ordinances that apply to all residential properties. Unlike larger Kansas cities such as Lawrence or Overland Park that have implemented detailed STR registration systems and operational restrictions, Green maintains a relatively permissive approach with enforcement primarily complaint-driven. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and register for appropriate tax collection with the Kansas Department of Revenue, as state-level requirements for STR taxation have been strengthened since 2020, but no recent municipal legal changes specifically targeting short-term rentals have been implemented in Green.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Green, Kansas would likely be concentrated around the downtown historic district near Main Street, where visitors can access local businesses, restaurants, and community events. Properties within a 2-3 block radius of the city center would attract guests attending local festivals, family reunions, and business travelers visiting agricultural operations or small manufacturing facilities in the area. The residential neighborhoods along Highway 15 corridor offer good investment potential due to easy highway access for travelers passing through or visiting nearby Leonardville or Clay Center. Areas near Green's community park and recreational facilities would appeal to families attending youth sports tournaments or outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Flint Hills region. Properties close to local churches and community centers could benefit from religious gatherings, wedding parties, and family events that require overnight accommodations, as Green's small size means limited hotel options, creating opportunity for well-positioned Airbnb properties to capture visitors who prefer home-like accommodations over driving to larger towns for lodging.

Airbnb properties in Green, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on lodging stays of less than 28 consecutive days, which is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Kansas Department of Revenue by the 25th of the following month if monthly collections exceed $40. Additionally, Green may impose a local transient guest tax of up to 2% (estimated at 1-2% based on similar Kansas municipalities), which would also be collected by hosts and remitted to the city monthly or quarterly depending on local ordinances established around 2018-2020 when many Kansas cities began regulating short-term rentals. Hosts must register with both state and local tax authorities, maintain records of all transactions, and file returns even in months with no activity. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 28 days or longer, government employees on official business, and in some cases nonprofit organizations, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as regulations have evolved since platforms like Airbnb began automated tax collection services around 2019-2021 in many Kansas jurisdictions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Green, Kansas would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor typically runs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations costs $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees total $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable cost $800-$1,200. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies and services ($300/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $7,500. Additional considerations include potential property improvements, emergency fund reserves, and working capital for the initial months before bookings generate consistent revenue.

Airbnb properties in Green, Kansas typically generate modest returns due to the small market size and limited tourist demand in this rural community of approximately 130 residents. Properties in Green generally earn between $2,000-$4,000 annually in gross revenue, with average daily rates ranging from $45-$75 for entire homes and occupancy rates averaging 25-35% throughout the year. Operating expenses typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), utilities ($80-$120 monthly), property maintenance ($500-$800 annually), Airbnb service fees (3% host fee), and insurance premiums ($300-$500 annually for short-term rental coverage). Net profit margins generally range from 15-25%, translating to annual profits of $600-$1,200 per property. Success factors in Green include competitive pricing below $70/night, targeting hunters and outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby wildlife areas, maintaining rural charm with modern amenities, and marketing the property's proximity to larger Kansas towns within 30-45 minutes. Properties that perform best typically offer unique features like farm stays, hunting lodge aesthetics, or outdoor recreational amenities, though the limited population base and seasonal demand patterns make Green a challenging market for significant Airbnb profitability compared to urban Kansas markets like Wichita or Kansas City suburbs.

Airbnb investments in Green, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are estimates given the limited market data for this small rural community. Properties in Green, located in Clay County with a population under 200, face challenges including limited tourist demand and seasonal fluctuations, with most profitable periods during hunting seasons and agricultural events. Initial profitability timeframes extend 18-24 months due to lower occupancy rates of 25-40% annually compared to larger Kansas markets like Wichita or Kansas City. Investment properties in the $40,000-$80,000 range can generate $200-$400 monthly revenue during peak months, but investors should expect 3-5 year payback periods and consider the property primarily as a long-term appreciation play rather than immediate cash flow generator, with total returns heavily dependent on property management efficiency and marketing to niche markets like hunters, farmers, and visitors to nearby attractions.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Green, Kansas and surrounding areas. Local real estate agents in the region include Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors, RE/MAX Associates, and Keller Williams who have experience with investment properties and short-term rental markets. National services like Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for Airbnb investments in Kansas markets. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors identify and manage profitable short-term rentals in Green. Local property management companies such as Kansas Property Management Group and Heartland Property Services also assist investors with Airbnb property acquisition and management. Additional national platforms include Roofstock, which focuses on turnkey rental properties, and local Kansas real estate investment groups that network through platforms like REIA Kansas provide connections to agents and services specializing in short-term rental investments in smaller Kansas markets like Green.