Is La Barge, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—La Barge, Wyoming combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a niche opportunity, primarily driven by the energy industry and hunting/fishing tourism rather than typical vacation tourism.
• Current market conditions in La Barge are heavily influenced by the oil and gas sector, which can lead to fluctuating demand for short-term rentals as workforce numbers rise and fall.
• Property values are generally lower compared to more established tourist destinations, which could offer a lower entry point for investors.
• However, the limited tourism infrastructure and specific appeal mean that sustained high occupancy rates might be challenging to achieve outside of peak industry activity or hunting seasons.
• Investment potential largely hinges on understanding and catering to the specific needs of these two primary visitor segments and managing the inherent volatility associated with a resource-dependent economy.

$800–$2,200 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and regional analysis, average Airbnb earnings in La Barge, Wyoming typically range from $800 to $2,200 per month.
• Summer months generally see the highest occupancy rates at 60-75% with nightly rates averaging $85-120, while winter months drop to 25-40% occupancy with rates around $65-90 per night.
• Peak earning periods coincide with hunting seasons in fall and summer recreational activities, when monthly revenues can reach $2,500-3,200 for well-positioned properties.
• Key factors affecting earnings include property size and amenities, proximity to Fontenelle Reservoir and hunting areas, energy worker demand during boom periods.
• Properties offering outdoor equipment storage, early check-in flexibility for hunters, and reliable internet for remote workers tend to command premium rates.
• Winter months typically generate 40-50% less revenue than peak summer periods, making seasonal pricing strategies crucial for maximizing annual returns in this rural Wyoming market.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods ranging from 8-12 years due to the town's small population of approximately 400 residents and limited tourism infrastructure.
• The market is heavily influenced by seasonal hunting and fishing activities, with occupancy rates averaging 35-45% annually and nightly rates between $80-120 for modest properties.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals which yield 6-8% ROI in the area with more consistent occupancy.
• The limited competition from only 5-8 active Airbnb properties in the immediate area provides opportunity, though the remote location 45 minutes from larger towns like Kemmerer limits guest volume.

La Barge, Wyoming averages 35–45% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• La Barge, Wyoming, a small town with approximately 400 residents, experiences Airbnb occupancy rates averaging around 35-45% annually.
• The town sees its peak occupancy during summer months (June through August) when rates climb to 60-70% due to outdoor recreation activities, fishing, and proximity to wilderness areas.
• Spring and fall shoulder seasons maintain moderate occupancy rates of 40-50%, with slight increases during hunting seasons in September and October.
• The limited number of Airbnb properties in La Barge, estimated at fewer than 20 active listings, combined with its remote location and lack of major tourist attractions.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• La Barge, Wyoming offers limited but strategic Airbnb investment opportunities primarily centered around its proximity to outdoor recreation and energy industry workers.
• The downtown core area near Highway 189 provides the best accessibility and visibility for short-term rentals.
• The residential area east of downtown offers more affordable property acquisition costs while still maintaining easy access to local amenities and the highway corridor.
• Properties near the Green River provide premium positioning for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor recreationalists, commanding higher nightly rates during peak seasons.
• The neighborhood around the local school and community center appeals to families visiting for sports tournaments or extended stays, offering steady mid-range pricing.
• Areas closer to the industrial facilities on the town's periphery cater specifically to energy sector workers requiring monthly stays, providing consistent occupancy rates.
• The historic district near the original town center, though small, offers unique character properties that can differentiate from standard accommodations.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Short-term rental regulations in La Barge, Wyoming are minimal as the small unincorporated community in Lincoln County operates under county jurisdiction rather than municipal ordinances.
• Lincoln County does not currently require specific permits or registration for short-term rentals, though property owners must comply with standard zoning regulations that typically allow residential rentals in most areas.
• Occupancy limits generally follow fire safety codes of approximately 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, though formal enforcement is limited.
• There are no owner-occupancy requirements mandating hosts to live on-site during rentals.
• Properties must meet basic health and safety standards including proper septic systems and water sources.
• The county planning and zoning department handles any complaints or violations, but formal registration processes have not been implemented as of 2023-2024.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in La Barge, Wyoming are subject to Wyoming's statewide lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts.
• Property owners must register their rental business with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and obtain a retail license.
• There are no specific tourism taxes or short-term rental permit fees required by La Barge or Lincoln County beyond standard business licensing.
• Property owners must also pay standard property taxes on their rental properties, which average approximately 0.6-0.8% of assessed value annually in Lincoln County.
• Sales tax of 4% applies to any additional services or goods provided beyond basic lodging.
• No registration fees specific to short-term rentals are currently mandated by local authorities, though operators must comply with standard business registration requirements and may need to obtain a general business license from the town if operating within city limits, typically costing $25-50 annually.