Is Jeffrey City, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Jeffrey City, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through Fremont County's planning department and Jeffrey City's municipal office, as this small town (population under 100) may have minimal specific short-term rental ordinances but you'll need to verify zoning compliance and any business licensing requirements. Obtain necessary permits including a Wyoming business license through the Secretary of State's office, register for state and local taxes with the Wyoming Department of Revenue, and secure appropriate insurance coverage for short-term rentals. Find property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Jeffrey City's limited housing stock, considering that most properties are older homes from the uranium mining era of the 1970s-80s, with prices typically ranging $30,000-$80,000 for modest homes. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture suitable for travelers exploring nearby attractions like Split Rock or heading to Casper (80 miles east), ensuring reliable internet service through providers like CenturyLink or satellite options, and install essential amenities including heating systems capable of handling Wyoming's harsh winters. List your property on Airbnb, Vrbo, and other platforms, highlighting unique features like stargazing opportunities, proximity to historic sites, and the authentic small-town Wyoming experience, with competitive pricing likely ranging $60-120 per night depending on property size and amenities. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local contacts for maintenance and cleaning, considering the remote location may require guests to be self-sufficient, and maintain clear communication about the rural setting, limited dining options, and seasonal weather challenges that define this former company town.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Jeffrey City, Wyoming, focus on properties within walking distance of the town center and main attractions, as this remote uranium mining town attracts visitors interested in its unique history and dark sky viewing opportunities. Look for 2-3 bedroom properties with rustic or historic character, outdoor spaces for stargazing, and reliable internet since many guests may be remote workers or researchers. Pricing analysis should consider the limited accommodation options in the area, with nightly rates typically ranging $80-150 depending on property size and amenities, while factoring in seasonal variations tied to astronomy events and hunting seasons. Competition research will reveal minimal existing STR inventory, making Jeffrey City a potentially underserved market, though demand may be sporadic and tied to specific events or scientific activities. Utilize AirDNA and Mashvisor for market analysis, coordinate with Fremont County planning departments for zoning compliance, and leverage local connections through the Jeffrey City Community Center and nearby Sweetwater County tourism boards to understand visitor patterns and seasonal demand fluctuations in this unique high-desert location.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Jeffrey City, Wyoming, contact the Fremont County Planning Department at 450 N 2nd Street, Lander, WY 82520 since Jeffrey City falls under county jurisdiction. Submit a completed short-term rental application along with proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate ($1 million minimum), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate, water quality test results, and fire safety compliance documentation. Pay the application fee of approximately $150-200 plus annual renewal fees of $100-125. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks including site inspection. Jeffrey City specific requirements include maximum occupancy of 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional, parking for all guests on-site, 24-hour local contact person, noise ordinance compliance with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, proper waste disposal arrangements, and adherence to the town's water usage restrictions during drought periods. Properties must also comply with Wyoming state lodging tax requirements and register with the Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Jeffrey City, Wyoming, as the small unincorporated community in Fremont County operates under Wyoming state law, which does not prohibit STRs at the state level. Since Jeffrey City lacks its own municipal government and zoning authority, STR regulations would fall under Fremont County jurisdiction, which typically allows vacation rentals with basic requirements such as business licensing and compliance with health and safety standards. There are no known specific prohibited areas within Jeffrey City for STRs, though operators must comply with county building codes and may need to obtain a business license from Fremont County. The area has not experienced significant recent legal changes regarding STR regulations, largely due to its small population (estimated under 100 residents) and limited tourism infrastructure compared to more popular Wyoming destinations like Jackson or Cody. Property owners should verify current licensing requirements with Fremont County offices and ensure compliance with state tax obligations, but the regulatory environment remains relatively permissive for STR operations in this former uranium mining town.

Jeffrey City, Wyoming, despite being a small former uranium mining town with a population under 100, offers limited but potentially unique Airbnb investment opportunities primarily centered around the historic town center area near Highway 287 and the residential districts with intact mid-century housing from the 1960s-1970s uranium boom era. The town center area attracts visitors interested in ghost town tourism, uranium mining history, and those seeking authentic Western experiences, while properties near the old company housing districts appeal to travelers exploring Wyoming's industrial heritage and photographers documenting abandoned America. The area also benefits from its location along Highway 287, serving as a waypoint for travelers heading to nearby attractions like the Oregon Trail sites, Seminoe State Park (about 30 miles away), and those exploring central Wyoming's vast landscapes, making it suitable for adventure tourists, hunters during hunting seasons, and visitors to the nearby Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge who prefer unique accommodations over traditional hotels in larger towns.

Jeffrey City, Wyoming does not impose specific local lodging or occupancy taxes on Airbnb properties as of 2023, as it is a small unincorporated community in Fremont County with minimal municipal infrastructure. However, Airbnb hosts in Jeffrey City are subject to Wyoming's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, which Airbnb typically collects and remits directly to the Wyoming Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system. Fremont County may impose a county lodging tax of approximately 2-3%, though collection and remittance procedures vary and hosts may need to register directly with the county treasurer's office. Hosts are also responsible for Wyoming state sales tax of 4% plus any applicable local sales taxes, which can total around 6-7% depending on the specific location within the county. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some jurisdictions may exempt properties with fewer than a certain number of rental units per year, though hosts should verify current requirements with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and Fremont County offices as tax obligations can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Jeffrey City, Wyoming would be approximately $85,000-$95,000. Property purchase costs around $45,000-$55,000 given the median home price in this small former uranium mining town of roughly 50 residents. Furnishing costs would be $8,000-$12,000 for basic furniture, appliances, linens, and decor suitable for a 2-3 bedroom property. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would cost $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration would total $500-$800. Insurance including property and liability coverage specifically for short-term rentals would cost $1,200-$1,800 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and propane/heating would be $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 would total approximately $1,700-$2,700, though occupancy may be limited given Jeffrey City's remote location and small population.

Airbnb properties in Jeffrey City, Wyoming face significant profitability challenges due to the town's remote location and limited tourism infrastructure, with most properties generating annual revenues between $8,000-$15,000 against expenses of $12,000-$18,000 including mortgage, utilities, maintenance, and cleaning fees, resulting in negative profit margins of -20% to -35% for most operators. The town's population of approximately 40 residents and lack of major attractions severely limit demand, with occupancy rates typically below 15% annually and average daily rates around $65-$85. Success factors for the few profitable properties include targeting uranium mining workers during periodic industry activity, hunters during fall seasons, and eclipse tourism as occurred in 2017 when Jeffrey City saw temporary demand spikes, with properties like converted mining camp buildings achieving 60-70% occupancy for brief periods and generating $25,000-$30,000 in revenue during exceptional years, though such events are rare and unpredictable, making Jeffrey City one of Wyoming's most challenging Airbnb markets with most properties serving as loss-making investments rather than profitable ventures.

Airbnb investments in Jeffrey City, Wyoming face significant challenges due to the town's remote location, small population of approximately 40 residents, and limited tourism infrastructure, resulting in an estimated annual ROI of -5% to 2% with cash-on-cash returns of -3% to 1%. The former uranium mining town experiences minimal visitor demand outside of occasional hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers seeking unique ghost town experiences, with properties typically achieving occupancy rates of only 10-20% annually at daily rates of $60-100. Initial investment costs for purchasing and renovating properties range from $30,000-80,000, but operational expenses including utilities, maintenance, property management, and marketing often exceed rental income due to the extremely limited guest demand. Most investors would face a timeframe of 8-15 years to reach profitability, if at all, making Jeffrey City one of the least viable Airbnb markets in Wyoming compared to established tourist destinations like Jackson Hole or Yellowstone gateway communities that typically generate 8-15% annual ROI.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Jeffrey City, Wyoming. Local real estate agents in the Fremont County area such as Century 21 BHJ Realty in Riverton and Coldwell Banker The Legacy Group serve the Jeffrey City market and can assist with Airbnb investment properties. National services like Mashvisor, AirDNA, and Rabbu provide market analysis and property identification tools for Wyoming markets. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while companies like Awning and RedAwning offer property management services for short-term rentals in rural Wyoming markets. Local property management companies such as Wyoming Property Solutions and High Country Property Management may extend services to the Jeffrey City area. Real estate investment platforms like Roofstock and Fundrise occasionally feature Wyoming properties, and vacation rental management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning operate in Wyoming markets to help optimize Airbnb investments.