Is Kemmerer, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Kemmerer, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through the Kemmerer City Hall (307-877-4302) and Lincoln County Planning Department, as Wyoming generally allows short-term rentals but municipalities may have specific zoning requirements and business license mandates. Obtain necessary permits including a Wyoming business license through the Secretary of State's office, a local business permit from Kemmerer City (estimated $50-100 annually), and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and health department regulations. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents like Century 21 or Coldwell Banker, focusing on areas near Fossil Butte National Monument or downtown Kemmerer for tourist appeal, with property prices typically ranging $80,000-200,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, heating for harsh Wyoming winters, quality bedding, kitchen supplies, and outdoor gear storage given the area's recreational activities, budgeting approximately $10,000-15,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to fossil hunting, hiking, and historical attractions, setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on seasonal demand. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa if available in the region, while maintaining responsive guest communication and leveraging Kemmerer's unique paleontological and historical attractions in your marketing strategy.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kemmerer, Wyoming, focus on locations within walking distance of Fossil Butte National Monument and downtown amenities, as this small town of approximately 2,400 residents attracts paleontology enthusiasts and outdoor recreationists year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these features appeal to families and groups visiting the area's fossil sites and recreational opportunities. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in Kemmerer and nearby towns like Evanston, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on property size and amenities, while considering seasonal fluctuations tied to summer tourism peaks and winter outdoor activities. Competition research should focus on the limited existing STR inventory in this small market, typically fewer than 20-30 active listings, creating opportunities for well-positioned properties to capture market share from visitors who might otherwise stay in larger towns 30-60 minutes away. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment calculations, and local resources including the Kemmerer Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln County tourism data, and Wyoming's STR regulations to ensure compliance while maximizing occupancy rates that typically range from 40-65% annually in similar small Wyoming tourism markets.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Kemmerer, Wyoming, you must first contact the Kemmerer City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 722 JC Penney Drive to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain application forms, as the city likely requires a business license and potentially a conditional use permit for residential properties used as short-term rentals. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing in Kemmerer, and a site plan showing parking availability and property boundaries. The business license fee is estimated at $50-100 annually, with additional conditional use permit fees potentially ranging from $200-500 depending on the property type and zoning. You must also register with Lincoln County for tax collection purposes and obtain a Wyoming state business license through the Secretary of State's office, which costs approximately $50. The timeline for approval typically takes 30-60 days from submission of complete application materials, during which time the city may conduct inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Kemmerer-specific requirements likely include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), adhering to noise ordinances particularly given the small-town setting, displaying permit numbers in rental listings, and potentially limiting the number of guests based on septic system capacity common in rural Wyoming properties.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Kemmerer, Wyoming, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements and zoning regulations that may restrict commercial activities in certain residential areas. Wyoming state law allows municipalities to regulate STRs, and while some larger Wyoming cities like Jackson have implemented strict STR regulations due to housing concerns, smaller communities like Kemmerer typically have more permissive approaches. Property owners should verify compliance with local zoning codes, obtain necessary business licenses, and ensure adherence to health and safety standards. Recent trends in Wyoming show increasing municipal attention to STR regulation, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, though Kemmerer has not implemented the comprehensive STR-specific ordinances seen in resort communities. The legal landscape remains relatively favorable for STR operations in Kemmerer compared to more restrictive jurisdictions, but operators should monitor potential future regulatory changes as the industry continues to grow statewide.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Kemmerer, Wyoming are the Historic Downtown District near the JCPenney Mother Store and Fossil Butte National Monument vicinity, along with properties close to the Hams Fork River corridor. Downtown Kemmerer attracts visitors interested in retail history and the birthplace of JCPenney (established 1902), while the Fossil Butte area draws paleontology enthusiasts and families visiting the national monument established in 1972. The Hams Fork River area appeals to fishing and outdoor recreation tourists, particularly during summer months. Properties near Highway 30/189 intersection capture transient travelers and workers from nearby energy projects including natural gas operations and the occasional mining activities. The Triangle Park neighborhood offers family-friendly accommodations for visitors attending local events like Oyster Ridge Music Festival and those exploring nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest, while areas close to the Kemmerer Municipal Airport serve business travelers connected to energy sector operations and government officials visiting fossil research sites.

In Kemmerer, Wyoming, Airbnb hosts are subject to Wyoming's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from short-term rental accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. Lincoln County, where Kemmerer is located, imposes an additional 2% county lodging tax, bringing the total lodging tax rate to approximately 6%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Wyoming Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. Hosts who collect taxes independently must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue, obtain a lodging tax license, and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, remitting collected taxes electronically through the state's online portal. The city of Kemmerer may also impose local occupancy taxes ranging from 1-3%, though specific rates vary by municipal ordinance. Exemptions generally apply to rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though hosts must maintain proper documentation to claim these exemptions and may need to provide exemption certificates from qualifying guests.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Kemmerer, Wyoming is approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $180,000-$200,000 based on median home prices in rural Wyoming markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration cost approximately $500-$1,000 annually. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,000 per year, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Monthly utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 per month or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, marketing, platform fees, and property management total $8,000-$12,000. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 should be reserved for unexpected repairs, vacancy periods, and seasonal fluctuations common in Wyoming's tourism market.

Airbnb properties in Kemmerer, Wyoming show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, generating approximately $18,000-35,000 in annual revenue based on 40-60% occupancy rates driven by tourism to nearby Fossil Butte National Monument and seasonal hunting activities. Operating expenses typically consume 35-45% of gross revenue, including property management fees (10-15%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance reserves, resulting in net profit margins of 15-25% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation areas, professional photography, competitive pricing during peak summer months (June-September), and maintaining high cleanliness standards, with properties near Highway 30 or within walking distance of downtown restaurants performing 20-30% better than remote locations. Case studies from similar Wyoming markets like Jackson and Cody suggest that investors can expect 8-12% annual returns on investment, though Kemmerer's smaller tourism base requires more aggressive marketing and seasonal pricing strategies compared to major destination markets.

Airbnb investments in Kemmerer, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the town's proximity to Fossil Butte National Monument and seasonal tourism from outdoor recreation activities. Properties in Kemmerer generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $85-120 during peak summer months (June-September) and occupancy rates of 45-65% annually. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and growing interest in fossil hunting and paleontology tourism, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with lower winter occupancy of 20-35%. Initial investment costs are relatively low compared to major Wyoming markets, with median property prices around $180,000-250,000, allowing for faster capital recovery and higher percentage returns on smaller initial investments.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including Kemmerer, Wyoming. In the local Kemmerer market, Century 21 BHJ Realty and Coldwell Banker The Legacy Group have agents experienced with investment properties who understand the area's tourism patterns around Fossil Butte National Monument. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification services for Wyoming markets. Roofstock and Mashvisor offer investment property search platforms that include data on Kemmerer's rental potential. Local property management companies such as Jackson Hole Property Management and Wyoming Vacation Rentals can provide insights into profitable properties in the region. Real estate investors also work with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain Real Estate and RE/MAX Professionals, both of which have agents familiar with investment properties in Lincoln County. BiggerPockets marketplace and FortuneBuilders also connect investors with Wyoming market opportunities, while companies like Vacasa and RedAwning can provide property management services that help evaluate investment potential in the Kemmerer area.