Is Ixonia, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Ixonia, Wisconsin, begin by researching Jefferson County and Town of Ixonia zoning ordinances and short-term rental regulations, as Wisconsin allows local municipalities to regulate STRs and you'll need to verify if conditional use permits or special licenses are required. Contact the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Department and Town of Ixonia clerk's office to understand specific requirements, which may include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and safety inspections. Obtain necessary permits such as a Wisconsin seller's permit for tax collection, potential conditional use permit from Jefferson County, and ensure compliance with Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services building codes. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings in Ixonia's lake communities near Oconomowoc Lake or Rock Lake, considering proximity to attractions like the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, with properties typically ranging $200,000-$400,000 for lake access homes. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture focusing on a rustic Wisconsin lake theme, including essential amenities like high-speed internet, full kitchen appliances, linens, and outdoor furniture for lake activities. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography highlighting lake access, nearby recreational activities, and proximity to Milwaukee (45 minutes) and Madison (60 minutes), pricing competitively at $150-$300 per night depending on season and lake access. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, coordinating with local cleaning services in nearby Oconomowoc, implementing keyless entry systems, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's 5.5% state sales tax and Jefferson County's additional local taxes on short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Ixonia, Wisconsin, focus on waterfront locations near Ixonia Marsh or properties within 15-20 minutes of popular lakes like Oconomowoc and Nagawicka, as this rural community attracts visitors seeking outdoor recreation and peaceful retreats. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with amenities like fire pits, decks, boat access, or proximity to ATV trails, as these features command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak summer months. Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, noting that properties near water typically achieve 60-70% occupancy rates with average daily rates 20-30% higher than standard accommodations. Research competition by examining the 15-20 existing STR properties in the area, identifying gaps in luxury amenities or unique experiences like farm stays or hunting lodges. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local resources including the Jefferson County tourism board and Lake Country Chamber of Commerce for seasonal demand patterns, while ensuring compliance with Jefferson County's STR regulations which typically require permits and adherence to occupancy limits.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Ixonia, Wisconsin, you must first contact the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Department since Ixonia is an unincorporated community within Jefferson County, and apply for a Conditional Use Permit for short-term rental operations. Submit your application to the Jefferson County Courthouse at 311 S Center Ave, Jefferson, WI 53549, along with required documents including a completed CUP application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking and property layout, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), septic system compliance certificate if applicable, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing on-site. The application fee is approximately $350-500, with additional fees for inspections and legal notices totaling around $200-300. You must also register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and obtain a seller's permit. The timeline typically takes 6-8 weeks from submission to approval, including a mandatory public hearing before the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Committee. Specific Ixonia/Jefferson County requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets all building and fire codes, limiting occupancy based on septic capacity and square footage, providing 24/7 contact information to neighbors, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Ixonia, Wisconsin are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. As an unincorporated community in Jefferson County, Ixonia falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal ordinances. Jefferson County typically allows STRs in residential areas but may require permits, occupancy limits, parking requirements, and compliance with health and safety codes. Properties must generally meet building codes and may be subject to noise ordinances and neighbor notification requirements. The county has been updating its STR regulations in recent years to balance tourism revenue with residential neighborhood concerns, with some areas potentially restricted based on zoning classifications. Property owners should verify current permit requirements with Jefferson County's planning and zoning department, as regulations can vary by specific location within the township and may include restrictions on the number of guests, minimum stay requirements, and mandatory registration with the county.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Ixonia, Wisconsin are primarily concentrated around the lake districts, particularly near Rock Lake and the Bark River corridor, which attract summer tourists, fishing enthusiasts, and water sports visitors from Milwaukee and Madison metropolitan areas approximately 45-60 minutes away. The downtown historic district near Highway 16 offers potential for business travelers and visitors to local events, while properties near the Glacial Drumlin State Trail appeal to cyclists and outdoor recreation tourists during spring through fall seasons. The residential areas closest to Watertown and Johnson Creek provide opportunities for overflow accommodation during peak summer months when lake properties are fully booked, and the proximity to major highways makes these locations attractive for weekend getaways from urban centers, with peak demand typically occurring from May through September when lake activities, local festivals, and outdoor recreation drive visitor traffic to this rural Jefferson County community.

Airbnb properties in Ixonia, Wisconsin are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax of 5% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days, and this tax is typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system that began around 2018. Jefferson County, where Ixonia is located, imposes an additional 3% room tax on transient accommodations, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 8%, though this county tax may need to be collected and remitted separately by individual hosts depending on local agreements with Airbnb. The Village of Ixonia itself does not appear to impose additional municipal lodging taxes beyond state and county requirements. Hosts must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue if they collect taxes independently, file monthly returns, and remit taxes by the 20th of the following month, with exemptions typically applying only to stays of 30 days or longer which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations subject to occupancy taxes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Ixonia, Wisconsin is approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the Lake Country area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration cost approximately $500-$1,200. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,500-$2,500 annually. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 monthly or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, platform fees, and marketing total $4,000-$7,000. Property taxes for six months add approximately $2,500-$3,500. Additional working capital for unexpected expenses and vacancy periods should include another $5,000-$10,000, bringing the comprehensive startup investment to approximately $285,000-$320,000 for a turnkey Airbnb operation in Ixonia.

Airbnb properties in Ixonia, Wisconsin typically generate modest profitability due to the area's rural location and limited tourist demand, with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties. Annual revenues for well-managed properties generally fall between $15,000-35,000, while expenses including property taxes ($2,000-4,000), utilities ($1,800-3,000), cleaning fees ($2,500-4,500), maintenance ($2,000-3,500), and Airbnb fees (3% host + guest fees) typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue, resulting in net profit margins of 15-25% for successful operators. Properties near Ixonia's lakes or with unique amenities like fire pits, kayaks, or proximity to the Glacial Drumlin Trail perform significantly better, with some lakefront cabins achieving occupancy rates of 45-60% during peak summer months compared to 25-35% for standard properties. Success factors include competitive pricing 10-15% below Madison market rates, professional photography, responsive communication, and targeting Milwaukee weekend visitors seeking rural retreats, though the limited population base of Jefferson County and seasonal demand patterns make Ixonia properties more suitable for supplemental income rather than primary investment strategies compared to urban Wisconsin markets.

Airbnb investments in Ixonia, Wisconsin typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on the area's proximity to Lake Country recreational activities and seasonal tourism patterns. Properties in this small Jefferson County community, particularly those near Ixonia Marsh or with lake access, can achieve occupancy rates of 45-65% during peak summer months (May-September) when visitors come for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. Initial investment costs average $180,000-$280,000 for suitable properties, with monthly gross revenues of $1,200-$2,200 depending on property size and amenities. After accounting for cleaning fees, property management (typically 15-25%), maintenance, insurance, and local taxes, net annual returns generally fall within the 8-12% range. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, with break-even occurring faster for properties that can command premium rates during Wisconsin's summer tourism season and fall color tours, while winter months typically see 20-35% occupancy rates due to limited cold-weather attractions in the immediate area.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including Ixonia, Wisconsin. In the local Wisconsin market, Realty Executives Premier and Coldwell Banker Realty have agents experienced in investment property acquisitions in the Lake Country area where Ixonia is located. First Weber Realtors, established in 1962, maintains a strong presence in southeastern Wisconsin and has agents familiar with vacation rental markets near lakes and recreational areas. Nationally, companies like Awning (founded 2017), Mashvisor (established 2014), and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification services for Airbnb investors. BiggerPockets, launched in 2004, offers networking and educational resources for real estate investors including those focused on short-term rentals. Local property management companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa (founded 2009) can assist with both property acquisition advice and subsequent management of Airbnb properties in the greater Milwaukee and Lake Country region where Ixonia is situated.