Is Hope, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Hope, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Dickinson County Planning Department, as Hope typically falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations, though you should also check with Hope City Hall for any municipal ordinances that may require business licenses or special permits for vacation rentals. Next, obtain necessary permits which may include a general business license from the city, a sales tax permit from the Kansas Department of Revenue, and potentially a conditional use permit if your property is in a residential zone that restricts commercial activities. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering factors like proximity to attractions such as the nearby Smoky Hill River or historic downtown areas, ensuring the property meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress windows. Furnish the space with quality, durable furniture focusing on comfort and functionality, including essentials like linens, towels, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks highlighting attractions within driving distance like Salina or Abilene. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, creating compelling descriptions that highlight Hope's small-town charm and outdoor recreation opportunities, setting competitive pricing based on comparable properties in central Kansas towns, typically ranging from $60-120 per night depending on size and amenities. Finally, manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries and bookings, maintaining the property regularly, collecting and remitting Kansas state sales tax (currently 6.5% plus any local taxes), and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors in the Hope-Herington area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Hope, Kansas, focus on properties within walking distance of Herington Lake and recreational areas, as this small town of approximately 350 residents attracts visitors for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, and outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits that appeal to families and fishing groups. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings within a 20-mile radius including Herington and Junction City, aiming for properties under $150,000 that can command $80-120 per night during peak fishing seasons (spring and fall). Competition research should focus on the limited existing STR inventory in Dickinson County, with most visitors currently staying in nearby Abilene or Salina, creating opportunity for local accommodations. Utilize AirDNA for market analysis, Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, and contact the Dickinson County Planning Department regarding zoning regulations, while networking with local real estate agents familiar with lakefront and rural recreational properties to identify off-market opportunities that could serve the underserved fishing and hunting tourism market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Hope, Kansas, contact the Hope City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 118 N Main Street or call (785) 366-7225 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit 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 of the rental property, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and pay the required fees which typically range from $100-200 annually plus a $50 application fee. Required documents also include a fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, health department approval if applicable, and zoning compliance verification. The city requires STR properties to maintain occupancy limits based on bedrooms (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide adequate parking spaces, maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and display the permit number in all advertisements. The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, and permits must be renewed annually by December 31st. Properties must also comply with all building codes, have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and maintain a guest registry available for city inspection upon request.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Hope, Kansas are generally legal as the small city of approximately 350 residents does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting or heavily regulating STR operations as of 2024. Hope operates under Dickinson County jurisdiction, which has not implemented county-wide STR restrictions, allowing property owners to rent their homes for periods less than 30 days through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The city follows standard Kansas state regulations regarding business licensing and tax collection, requiring STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and collect applicable state and local taxes including the 6.5% Kansas state sales tax. There are no designated prohibited areas within Hope's city limits specifically for STRs, though operators must comply with existing zoning regulations that typically allow residential use in most areas of the small rural community. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, with most regulatory discussions occurring at the state level where Kansas has generally maintained a hands-off approach to STR regulation, leaving decisions to local municipalities, and Hope has chosen not to implement restrictive measures that larger Kansas cities like Lawrence or Overland Park have considered.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Hope, Kansas include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and antique shopping, particularly during the annual Hope Fun Days festival in July. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Hope Lake offer appeal to fishing enthusiasts and families seeking quiet getaways, especially during spring and summer months when outdoor activities peak. Properties near the Hope Community Center and school district draw visitors attending local events, sports tournaments, and family gatherings throughout the year. The area around Highway 43 provides convenient access for business travelers and those exploring the Flint Hills region, while still maintaining the small-town charm that attracts urban visitors from Salina (20 miles away) and Kansas City metro area seeking rural retreats. These locations benefit from Hope's position as a peaceful stopover point with reasonable property prices, low competition from hotels, and steady demand from regional visitors exploring central Kansas attractions.

Hope, Kansas does not have specific city-level lodging or occupancy taxes that apply to Airbnb rentals as of 2024. However, Airbnb hosts in Hope are subject to Kansas state sales tax at a rate of 6.5% on short-term rental income, which must be collected from guests and remitted to the Kansas Department of Revenue monthly if gross receipts exceed $4,000 annually. Dickinson County, where Hope is located, does not impose additional transient guest taxes. Hosts must register for a Kansas sales tax permit and file returns by the 25th of the month following the reporting period. There are no specific exemptions for short-term rentals under 30 days, and all bookings are subject to the state sales tax regardless of the rental duration or guest residency status.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Hope, Kansas is approximately $85,000-$95,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $65,000-$70,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing costs including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and basic furniture range from $8,000-$12,000 depending on property size and quality level. Initial setup costs for professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees cost approximately $500-$800 in small Kansas municipalities. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental liability adds $1,200-$1,800 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services require $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-900), cleaning supplies and services ($400-600), maintenance reserves ($500-800), marketing ($200-400), and platform fees on estimated bookings ($300-500) total approximately $2,000-$3,200, bringing the complete startup investment to the $85,000-$95,000 range for a typical 2-3 bedroom property in Hope, Kansas.

Airbnb properties in Hope, Kansas, a small town with approximately 350 residents, face significant profitability challenges due to limited tourism demand and low nightly rates typically ranging from $40-70. Properties in Hope generally generate annual revenues of $3,000-8,000, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and Airbnb fees often total $4,000-12,000 annually, resulting in negative profit margins of -15% to -30% for most operators. Success factors are extremely limited given the town's rural location and lack of major attractions, though properties near Milford Lake (approximately 20 miles away) or those targeting hunters during deer season (November-December) may achieve slightly better occupancy rates of 15-25% compared to the typical 8-15% annual occupancy. The market is oversaturated relative to demand, with fewer than 5-8 active Airbnb listings competing for minimal visitor traffic, making Hope unsuitable for profitable short-term rental investment unless the property serves as a primary residence with occasional rental income supplementing other uses.

Airbnb investments in Hope, 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 of approximately 350 residents. Properties in Hope, which sits along Highway 77 between Salina and Junction City, generally require initial investments of $40,000-$80,000 for suitable rental properties, with average nightly rates of $65-$85 during peak seasons when visitors come for hunting, fishing at nearby Milford Lake, or passing through to larger Kansas destinations. The timeframe to profitability typically extends 18-24 months due to seasonal demand fluctuations and the need to establish market presence in this emerging short-term rental market. Occupancy rates average 35-45% annually, with stronger performance during fall hunting season and summer lake activities, while winter months see significantly reduced bookings. The proximity to Fort Riley (45 minutes) and Salina (30 minutes) provides some demand from military families and business travelers, though the rural location limits year-round consistent bookings compared to urban Kansas markets like Wichita or Kansas City suburbs.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Hope, Kansas. Local real estate agents in the area include Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors with offices serving central Kansas, RE/MAX Associates which has agents familiar with Barton County properties, and Century 21 Brack & Associates operating in the region since 1995. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb investment analysis tools, BiggerPockets for investor networking and property discovery, and Awning which offers short-term rental investment guidance. AirDNA provides market data and analytics for Hope's vacation rental potential, while Roofstock focuses on turnkey rental properties in smaller Kansas markets. Local property management companies like Sunflower State Property Management and Great Plains Real Estate Services can assist with identifying investment opportunities, and national companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa offer market analysis and property management services for investors looking to enter the Hope, Kansas Airbnb market.