Is Jackson, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Jackson, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through the Town of Jackson Planning Department, as Jackson requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for short-term rentals in most residential zones, with applications costing approximately $1,500-$3,000 and requiring neighbor notification. Obtain necessary permits including the CUP, business license from the Town Clerk ($50-$100), and Wyoming state sales tax permit, while ensuring compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits typically set at 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Find property by working with local real estate agents familiar with STR-friendly zones, focusing on areas like East Jackson or county properties outside town limits where regulations may be less restrictive, with median home prices around $2-4 million due to Jackson's resort market. Furnish the property with high-quality, durable mountain-themed décor, essential amenities like high-speed internet, fully equipped kitchen, quality linens, and outdoor gear storage, budgeting $15,000-$30,000 for a 2-3 bedroom property. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local platforms like Jackson Hole Resort Lodging, with professional photography highlighting mountain views and proximity to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Teton National Park, setting competitive rates of $200-$800+ per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by either self-managing or hiring local companies like RedAwning or Vacasa (charging 20-35% commission), ensuring 24/7 guest communication, professional cleaning between stays, and compliance with Jackson's noise ordinances and parking restrictions, while maintaining detailed records for the required annual CUP renewal process.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Jackson, Wyoming, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Teton National Park entrances, prioritizing properties in Teton Village, downtown Jackson, or Wilson for maximum guest appeal. Target 3-4 bedroom mountain homes or luxury condos with ski-in/ski-out access, hot tubs, mountain views, and rustic-modern aesthetics that can command $300-800+ per night during peak ski season (December-March) and summer months (June-September). Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO to identify pricing gaps, noting that Jackson's limited inventory allows premium pricing for well-appointed properties, with annual revenues potentially reaching $150,000-300,000 for prime locations. Research competition by monitoring occupancy rates of similar properties within a 5-mile radius, focusing on properties near Snow King Resort, the town square, or with National Forest access. Utilize AirDNA for Jackson-specific market data, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources like Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce market reports, while partnering with Jackson-area property management companies like RedAwning or Jackson Hole Property Management who understand local regulations, including Teton County's STR permit requirements and seasonal restrictions that can impact profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Jackson, Wyoming, you must first apply through the Town of Jackson Planning Department located at 150 E Pearl Avenue or online through their permitting portal. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, waste management plan, emergency contact information for a local representative within 30 minutes of the property, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $500 with an annual renewal fee of $300, plus a $150 inspection fee. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks for initial review and approval, with an additional 2-3 weeks if revisions are needed. Jackson-specific requirements include limiting occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests maximum, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, providing adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces for properties with 3+ bedrooms), ensuring the local contact person can respond within 30 minutes to address issues, displaying the permit number in all advertisements, and complying with the town's 4% lodging tax which must be collected and remitted monthly. Properties must also meet all building and fire codes, and some residential zones may have additional restrictions or prohibitions on short-term rentals.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Jackson, Wyoming, but operate under strict regulations implemented by the Town of Jackson. As of 2023, STRs require a business license and must comply with zoning restrictions that limit them primarily to commercial and mixed-use zones, while prohibiting them in most residential neighborhoods to preserve housing stock for locals. The town caps the number of STR licenses and requires operators to pay lodging taxes, maintain liability insurance, and follow occupancy limits and noise ordinances. Recent changes include stricter enforcement measures and increased penalties for violations, as Jackson has grappled with housing affordability issues exacerbated by the conversion of long-term rentals to vacation properties. Properties in certain residential zones face outright prohibitions, and the town has implemented a lottery system for new licenses due to high demand, while existing operators must renew annually and demonstrate compliance with all regulations including parking requirements and 24/7 contact availability for guests.

The most lucrative Airbnb investment areas in Jackson, Wyoming include the Town Square/Downtown district which attracts year-round visitors due to its proximity to restaurants, shopping, and the famous antler arches, generating consistent bookings from both summer and winter tourists. Teton Village offers exceptional investment potential as the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, commanding premium rates during ski season (December-April) and summer activities, with properties here earning 20-30% more than other areas. The Aspens/Racquet Club area provides a sweet spot for investors, offering luxury amenities while being more affordable than Teton Village, attracting families and groups visiting for skiing, hiking, and Yellowstone access. East Jackson neighborhoods near the National Elk Refuge offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities and slightly lower property costs while maintaining strong rental demand from nature enthusiasts and photographers. The Wilson area, though requiring higher initial investment, attracts affluent guests seeking privacy and luxury accommodations, particularly during peak seasons and special events like the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. Properties near Jackson Hole Airport also perform well due to convenience for business travelers and tourists, especially during the summer months when Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks drive massive tourism traffic through the area.

Airbnb properties in Jackson, Wyoming are subject to multiple lodging taxes including a 4% Wyoming state lodging tax, a 4% Teton County lodging tax, and a 2% Jackson town lodging tax, totaling 10% in combined occupancy taxes on short-term rental stays. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts may need to register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and local tax offices to ensure compliance. The state lodging tax applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days, while county and municipal taxes generally follow similar guidelines with stays under 30 days being subject to taxation. Remittance is typically done monthly or quarterly depending on the volume of bookings, with returns due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period. Exemptions may include stays of 30 days or longer which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or nonprofit organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities as regulations can change.

Starting an Airbnb in Jackson, Wyoming requires significant upfront investment due to the area's premium real estate market. Property purchase costs average $1.8-2.5 million for a median home suitable for short-term rental, though condos may range $800,000-1.2 million. Furnishing costs typically run $25,000-40,000 for a complete setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor appropriate for the luxury market Jackson attracts. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials cost approximately $2,000-3,500. Permits and fees in Teton County include business license ($150), short-term rental permit ($500-1,000), and potential HOA approval fees ($200-500). Insurance for short-term rentals runs $3,000-5,000 annually, with utility deposits and connections costing $1,500-2,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($800-1,200/month), cleaning services ($150-250 per turnover), property management if used (25-30% of revenue), maintenance reserves ($500-800/month), and marketing expenses ($300-500/month) total approximately $15,000-25,000. The complete startup investment ranges from $875,000-1.3 million for a condo to $1.9-2.6 million for a house, making Jackson one of the most expensive Airbnb markets to enter in the United States.

Airbnb properties in Jackson, Wyoming demonstrate strong profitability potential due to the area's proximity to Jackson Hole ski resort and Grand Teton National Park, with average nightly rates ranging from $200-600 depending on property size and location. A typical 3-bedroom vacation rental in Jackson can generate $80,000-150,000 in annual revenue, while operating expenses including property management (10-20%), cleaning fees ($75-150 per turnover), utilities ($300-500 monthly), insurance ($2,000-4,000 annually), and maintenance typically consume 40-60% of gross revenue, resulting in profit margins of 25-45% for well-managed properties. Success factors include strategic location within 15 minutes of ski lifts or downtown Jackson, professional photography, competitive pricing during peak seasons (December-March and June-September), and maintaining high guest ratings above 4.8 stars. Properties closer to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort command premium rates, with some luxury cabins achieving $800+ per night during peak ski season, while shoulder season rates drop to $150-300 nightly. The market benefits from year-round demand driven by winter skiing and summer outdoor recreation, though owners must navigate Jackson's strict short-term rental regulations implemented in 2022 that limit new permits and require compliance with specific zoning requirements.

Airbnb investments in Jackson, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's strong tourism demand driven by proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole ski resort. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Teton Village and downtown Jackson commanding premium rates of $300-600 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and summer months (June-September). Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with luxury cabins and ski-in/ski-out properties reaching break-even faster at 12-18 months due to average daily rates exceeding $400. The market benefits from year-round demand with 70-80% occupancy rates, though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations and higher property acquisition costs averaging $800,000-$1.5 million for investment-grade properties, making the initial capital requirement substantial but offset by strong rental performance in this premier mountain destination market.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Jackson, Wyoming. Local real estate agents like Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates, Engel & Völkers Jackson Hole, and Coldwell Banker The Legacy Group have extensive experience with vacation rental properties in the Jackson area. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Local property management companies such as Jackson Hole Property Management and Teton Village Property Management can provide insights into profitable rental properties while offering management services. Additional national platforms like Roofstock, HomeUnion, and Awning focus on turnkey rental property investments, while local firms like Jackson Hole Sotheby's International Realty and Live Water Properties specialize in luxury vacation rental investments in the Teton County market.