Is Kelly, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Kelly, Wyoming, begin by researching Teton County's short-term rental regulations, which require registration and compliance with zoning laws that may restrict rentals in residential areas - contact Teton County Planning Department for specific Kelly zoning requirements and obtain necessary business licenses from Wyoming Secretary of State. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Kelly's market, considering properties near Grand Teton National Park access points which command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak season (June-September). Secure financing and purchase the property, then obtain required permits including a Teton County short-term rental permit (approximately $200-500 annually), Wyoming sales tax license, and ensure compliance with fire safety and building codes. Furnish the property with durable, mountain-themed decor suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, including essentials like high-quality linens, fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and outdoor gear storage, budgeting $15,000-25,000 for a 2-3 bedroom property. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms highlighting proximity to Jackson Hole (15 minutes), Grand Teton National Park access, and outdoor activities, using professional photography to showcase mountain views. Implement management systems including automated messaging, cleaning services (expect $75-150 per turnover), maintenance contacts, and consider hiring local property management companies like Jackson Hole Property Management or Teton Valley Vacation Rentals if managing remotely, while maintaining Wyoming's 4% state sales tax compliance and Teton County's additional lodging taxes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kelly, Wyoming, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Grand Teton National Park entrances and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort access points, as this area attracts year-round outdoor enthusiasts and seasonal workers. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes with mountain views, outdoor amenities like hot tubs or fire pits, and rustic Wyoming charm, as these features command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak seasons (June-September and December-March). Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 10-mile radius, noting that successful properties typically achieve 60-75% occupancy rates with average daily rates 40-60% higher than traditional rentals. Research competition by monitoring listings from established operators like Jackson Hole Lodge Company and Mountain Property Management, while identifying gaps in luxury or budget segments. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local resources like Teton County planning department for zoning compliance, as Kelly falls under specific short-term rental regulations that require permits and limit density in residential areas.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Kelly, Wyoming, you must first contact the Teton County Planning Department since Kelly falls under Teton County jurisdiction, located at 200 South Willow Street in Jackson, Wyoming, or apply online through their permitting portal. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate, well water test results if applicable, parking plan showing adequate spaces, and a $500-750 application fee. The process involves submitting your application, scheduling a property inspection with county officials, attending a public hearing if required, and receiving final approval, which typically takes 60-90 days from submission to permit issuance. Kelly-specific requirements include compliance with rural residential zoning restrictions limiting occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests maximum, maintaining adequate septic capacity for proposed occupancy, ensuring proper well water quality and quantity, providing off-street parking for all guests, implementing fire safety measures including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and adhering to noise ordinances that are strictly enforced in this rural community near Grand Teton National Park. Annual renewal fees of approximately $200-300 are required, and all permits must display the county-issued permit number in rental advertisements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Kelly, Wyoming, as the small unincorporated community in Teton County operates under county regulations rather than municipal ordinances. Teton County permits STRs but requires operators to obtain a Conditional Use Permit and comply with specific regulations including occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions. Properties must meet safety standards, maintain adequate septic and water systems, and operators must collect and remit local lodging taxes. The county has implemented stricter oversight since 2019-2020 following community concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts, requiring annual permit renewals and establishing complaint procedures. STRs are generally prohibited in certain residential zones near Jackson but Kelly's rural location typically allows them with proper permitting. Recent changes include enhanced enforcement mechanisms and requirements for local contact persons available 24/7, reflecting the county's effort to balance tourism revenue with community livability concerns in this gateway area to Grand Teton National Park.

Kelly, Wyoming is an exceptional Airbnb investment location due to its prime position as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park and proximity to Jackson Hole, making it highly attractive for year-round tourism. The Kelly area itself offers stunning mountain views and direct access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation, drawing visitors from spring through fall for activities like hiking, fishing, and photography. During winter months, the location benefits from overflow demand from Jackson Hole's world-class skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, as Kelly provides more affordable accommodation options compared to Jackson proper while still offering easy access to the slopes. The nearby National Elk Refuge creates additional draw for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, particularly during winter months when thousands of elk gather in the area. Kelly's location along the scenic Gros Ventre River and its proximity to popular spots like the Gros Ventre Slide and Mormon Row historic district make it attractive for tourists seeking authentic Western experiences and Instagram-worthy landscapes. The area also benefits from business travelers and researchers visiting the nearby National Park Service facilities and research stations, providing potential for mid-week bookings during shoulder seasons.

In Kelly, Wyoming, Airbnb properties are subject to Wyoming's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, which is collected by the Wyoming Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by the 19th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $750. Teton County imposes an additional 3% lodging tax on short-term rentals, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 7% for Airbnb properties in Kelly. Property owners must register with both the state and county tax authorities, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and file returns even if no tax is owed during a reporting period. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform in Wyoming as of 2019, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, while properties renting fewer than 3 rooms in an owner-occupied residence may qualify for reduced reporting requirements under state regulations.

To start an Airbnb in Kelly, Wyoming, expect total costs around $875,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $800,000-$850,000 given Kelly's proximity to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park, making it a premium mountain resort market. Furnishing costs will run $25,000-$35,000 for quality mountain lodge-style furniture, appliances, linens, and outdoor gear suitable for the area's recreational tourism. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials costs $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Teton County include business license ($100), short-term rental permit ($500-$1,000), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $1,500-$2,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage runs $3,000-$4,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, propane heating, water, internet, and cable average $400-$600 monthly or $2,400-$3,600 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), supplies, maintenance, property management software, and marketing total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include snow removal services essential for winter accessibility at $2,000-$3,000 for the season.

Airbnb properties in Kelly, Wyoming, located near Grand Teton National Park, demonstrate strong seasonal profitability with average daily rates ranging from $200-400 during peak summer months (June-September) and $150-250 during winter ski season. A typical 3-bedroom cabin generates approximately $45,000-65,000 in annual revenue with occupancy rates of 60-75% during peak seasons, while operating expenses including property management (15-25%), cleaning fees ($75-125 per turnover), utilities ($200-350 monthly), insurance ($2,000-3,500 annually), and maintenance ($3,000-5,000 annually) typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (15 minutes), Grand Teton National Park access, luxury amenities like hot tubs and mountain views, and professional property management companies such as Jackson Hole Property Management or Teton Village Property Management. Properties purchased for $800,000-1.2 million often achieve 8-12% annual returns when factoring in both rental income and property appreciation, with some luxury properties near the Snake River commanding premium rates of $500-800 per night during peak periods, though the market faces increasing competition from new STR developments and seasonal workforce housing shortages that drive up operational costs.

Airbnb investments in Kelly, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and financing structure. Properties in Kelly benefit from strong seasonal demand during summer months (June-September) and winter ski season (December-March), with average daily rates of $200-400 for vacation rentals. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, though luxury properties near Teton Village or with mountain views can reach profitability in 12-15 months due to premium pricing of $400-600 per night. The market shows consistent 6-8% annual appreciation, and occupancy rates typically range from 65-75% annually, with peak season occupancy reaching 85-95%. Initial investment requirements are substantial, with median property prices around $800,000-1.2 million, but the combination of rental income and property appreciation in this high-demand tourist destination near Jackson creates strong long-term returns for well-positioned properties.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including Kelly, Wyoming. In the Jackson Hole area, which encompasses Kelly, local real estate agents like those at Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates, Engel & Völkers Jackson Hole, and Compass Wyoming have extensive experience with vacation rental investments and understand the unique zoning and regulatory requirements for Airbnb properties in Teton County. National services such as Awning, RedAwning, and Mashvisor provide data analytics and investment property identification tools that can help investors evaluate potential Airbnb properties in the Kelly market. Local property management companies like Rendezvous Mountain Rentals and Jackson Hole Property Management offer services that can assist investors in both finding suitable properties and managing them as short-term rentals. Additionally, platforms like BiggerPockets and Roofstock have expanded their services to include short-term rental investment opportunities, while companies such as AirDNA provide market analysis and revenue projections specifically for Airbnb investments in mountain resort communities like Kelly, Wyoming.