Is Green River, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Green River, Wyoming, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Green River City Planning Department, as Wyoming generally allows short-term rentals but municipalities may have specific requirements including business licenses, occupancy permits, and tax registration with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for lodging taxes (typically 4% state tax plus local taxes). Contact Green River City Hall at 50 East 2nd North Street to obtain necessary permits including a business license (approximately $50-100 annually) and ensure your property meets fire safety and building codes. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents like Century 21 or Coldwell Banker, focusing on areas near Flaming Gorge Recreation Area or downtown Green River where tourists frequent, with properties typically ranging from $150,000-$300,000. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture from retailers like Home Depot in Rock Springs (30 miles away) or order online, ensuring you have essential amenities like Wi-Fi, kitchen supplies, linens, and outdoor gear storage given the area's recreational focus. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to Flaming Gorge, Green River, and outdoor activities, setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management software like Hostfully or hiring local companies like Wyoming Property Management if available, while maintaining compliance with ongoing tax obligations and permit renewals through Sweetwater County and Wyoming state requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Green River, Wyoming, focus on locations within walking distance of the Green River itself, near Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area access points, and close to downtown amenities along Uinta Drive. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor spaces, fishing access, boat parking, and rustic Wyoming charm that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting for recreation. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO in the $80-150 per night range, considering seasonal fluctuations with peak demand during summer fishing season (June-September) and hunting seasons. Research competition by examining occupancy rates and reviews of existing rentals, noting that Green River has limited STR inventory compared to larger Wyoming markets like Jackson or Cody. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, contact Sweetwater County planning department for zoning regulations, monitor Green River Chamber of Commerce events calendar, and leverage local real estate agents familiar with investment properties near recreational areas, while considering proximity to major employers like Solvay Chemicals and the Union Pacific Railroad for potential corporate bookings.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Green River, Wyoming, contact the Green River City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 50 East 2nd North Street or call (307) 872-6000 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of Green River. The application fee is typically $150-200 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75. Required documents also include a fire safety inspection certificate from the Green River Fire Department and compliance with zoning regulations which may restrict STRs in certain residential areas. The property must meet all building codes, have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and provide adequate parking spaces. The approval timeline is generally 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, pending inspections and zoning compliance review. Green River requires STR operators to collect and remit local lodging taxes of 4% and maintain a guest registry. Annual renewal is required with updated insurance documentation and any necessary re-inspections, and the city may limit the total number of STR permits issued within certain zones.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Green River, Wyoming, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements and zoning regulations that may restrict STR operations in certain residential areas. The city follows Sweetwater County's broader regulations, which typically require basic business licenses and adherence to health and safety codes. Wyoming state law generally favors property rights and allows STRs unless specifically prohibited by local municipalities. Green River has not implemented the strict registration systems or occupancy limits seen in larger Wyoming cities like Jackson, though operators should verify current zoning compliance as residential areas may have restrictions on commercial activities. Recent years have seen minimal changes to STR regulations in Green River, with the city maintaining a relatively permissive stance compared to tourist-heavy areas in Wyoming that have implemented more restrictive measures due to housing concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Green River, Wyoming include the downtown historic district near the railroad depot and Union Pacific Railroad Museum, which attracts history enthusiasts and railroad buffs year-round. The neighborhoods along the Green River itself, particularly near Expedition Island and the boat launch areas, are highly desirable for outdoor recreation tourists engaging in river rafting, fishing, and kayaking activities from May through September. Areas near Flaming Gorge Road (Highway 530) leading south toward Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area capture overflow tourism from visitors heading to this major destination. The residential areas near the Green River High School and community college attract visiting families for school events and sports tournaments. Properties within walking distance of the Sweetwater County Events Complex benefit from event-related bookings including rodeos, concerts, and trade shows. The neighborhoods near the Green River Intergalactic Spaceport (the local airport) and along Interstate 80 corridors serve business travelers and road trip tourists, while areas close to Sears Park and the Green River Recreation Center appeal to families visiting for youth sports tournaments and outdoor activities, with peak demand during summer months when the area serves as a gateway to southwestern Wyoming's outdoor recreation opportunities.

Green River, Wyoming imposes a 4% lodging tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which is collected by the city in addition to Wyoming's 4% state lodging tax, bringing the total lodging tax to approximately 8%. Sweetwater County also levies a 2% county lodging tax, making the combined rate around 10% for most Airbnb stays. 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 appropriate tax authorities on a monthly basis. Property owners who collect taxes manually must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and remit state taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month, while city and county taxes are generally due by the 15th of the month following collection. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some exemptions may exist for certain government or military personnel on official business, though specific exemption criteria should be verified with local tax authorities as rates and procedures can change.

Starting an Airbnb in Green River, Wyoming requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $8,000-12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage costs approximately $1,200-2,000 annually, with $600-1,000 needed upfront. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total around $800-1,200. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($300-500/month), cleaning supplies and services ($200-400/month), maintenance reserves ($150-300/month), platform fees, and marketing expenses add approximately $4,000-7,000 to the startup budget.

Airbnb properties in Green River, Wyoming show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual gross revenue based on 60-70% occupancy rates driven by outdoor recreation tourism and energy sector workers. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($30-50 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance reserves, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, competitive pricing during peak fishing and boating seasons (May-September), and targeting corporate housing for energy companies like Chevron and Kinder Morgan who maintain operations in the area. Properties within 10 miles of Flaming Gorge Reservoir consistently outperform urban listings, with some hosts reporting annual net profits of $8,000-12,000 on properties valued at $200,000-300,000, though seasonal fluctuations require careful cash flow management during slower winter months when occupancy can drop to 30-40%.

Airbnb investments in Green River, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by outdoor recreation tourism and proximity to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Properties averaging $180,000-$250,000 purchase price can expect gross rental income of $18,000-$28,000 annually, with occupancy rates of 45-65% during peak seasons (May through September). After accounting for property management fees (20-25%), maintenance, utilities, and local taxes, net annual returns generally fall between $12,000-$18,000. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, with seasonal demand from fishing, boating, and hunting enthusiasts providing the strongest revenue periods. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and growing popularity of outdoor recreation, though winter months typically see 60-70% reduction in bookings, making year-round cash flow management crucial for sustained profitability.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors. In Green River, 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 area since around 2018. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data analysis, and Roofstock which expanded into short-term rental investments around 2020. Local property management companies such as Wyoming Property Solutions and Sweetwater County property managers can assist with identifying investment opportunities. BiggerPockets marketplace connects investors with local agents familiar with rental properties, while LoopNet offers commercial and investment property listings. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services that can help evaluate potential Airbnb investments in the Green River market. Local banks like Bank of the West and First Bank of Wyoming offer investment property financing options for Airbnb purchases in the region.