Is Lander, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Lander, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Lander Planning Department and Fremont County offices, as Wyoming generally has fewer restrictions than major cities but may require business licenses and tax registration with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for lodging taxes. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the City of Lander (approximately $50-100 annually), register for Wyoming state sales tax, and ensure your property meets fire safety codes and zoning requirements for short-term rentals in residential areas. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate markets where median home prices range around $200,000-300,000, focusing on areas near downtown Lander or close to outdoor recreation access points like the Wind River Range, and consider purchasing or partnering with existing property owners. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing the outdoor recreation theme popular in the area, including quality bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and outdoor gear storage, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photos highlighting Lander's proximity to hiking, climbing, and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on seasonal demand. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating with local cleaning services (typically $50-75 per turnover), and maintaining relationships with Lander-area contractors for maintenance issues while leveraging the town's strong outdoor tourism market that peaks during summer months and hunting seasons.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Lander, Wyoming, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of downtown Lander or near outdoor recreation access points like the Wind River Range trailheads, as this area attracts climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with mountain views, outdoor spaces, hot tubs, and amenities that cater to adventure travelers, ensuring adequate parking and WiFi for remote workers who extend stays. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in Lander, typically ranging $80-200 per night depending on size and amenities, while factoring in seasonal demand peaks during summer climbing season (June-September) and hunting seasons. Conduct competition research by monitoring existing STR inventory on Airbnb, VRBO, and local vacation rental companies, noting occupancy rates and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like AirDNA for Lander market data, STR Helper for performance analytics, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including Lander Chamber of Commerce tourism data, Fremont County planning department for zoning regulations, and Wind River Visitors Council statistics to understand visitor patterns and seasonal trends that drive demand in this outdoor recreation hub.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Lander, Wyoming, you must first contact the Lander Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 240 Lincoln Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city requires conditional use permits for STRs in most residential areas. You'll need to submit a conditional use permit application along with required documents including a site plan showing parking areas, floor plans indicating maximum occupancy, proof of property ownership or authorization letter, liability insurance documentation, and a neighborhood impact statement. The application fee is typically around $200-300 for the conditional use permit process, with additional fees for public notices and hearings. Required documents also include a business license application (approximately $50 annually), state sales tax permit, and compliance with fire safety codes including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Lander specifically requires STRs to provide adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, post maximum occupancy limits, and have a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission, including a mandatory public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission, and you must also register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and obtain any necessary state lodging permits.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Lander, Wyoming, as the city does not have comprehensive regulations specifically prohibiting them as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements and zoning ordinances that may restrict commercial activities in certain residential areas. The city requires STRs to obtain a business license and comply with health and safety codes, fire regulations, and occupancy limits. There are no specific prohibited zones for STRs in Lander, but properties must conform to existing zoning classifications which may limit commercial use in some residential neighborhoods. Recent legal changes have been minimal, with the city taking a relatively hands-off approach compared to larger Wyoming municipalities like Jackson, though operators should verify current parking requirements, noise ordinances, and any new registration requirements that may have been implemented. Property owners should also ensure compliance with state tax obligations and homeowners association rules where applicable.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Lander, Wyoming are downtown Lander near Main Street for its proximity to restaurants, shops, and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) headquarters which brings consistent business travel and outdoor education participants year-round. The Sinks Canyon area, just south of town, offers exceptional appeal due to its location near Sinks Canyon State Park and serves as a gateway to the Wind River Range, attracting hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts from May through October. The neighborhoods near the Wind River Reservation boundary provide unique cultural tourism opportunities and access to both reservation events and outdoor activities. Properties close to the Lander City Park and community center benefit from family visitors attending youth sports tournaments and community events throughout the summer months. The residential areas along the Popo Agie River offer scenic waterfront appeal for guests seeking a more secluded mountain experience while remaining within walking distance of downtown amenities, making them particularly attractive to couples and small groups visiting for outdoor recreation, with peak demand during summer months and hunting seasons in fall.

Airbnb properties in Lander, Wyoming are subject to Wyoming's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. Fremont County imposes an additional 2% lodging tax, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 6%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Wyoming Department of Revenue on a monthly basis for properties enrolled in their Voluntary Collection Agreement program. Hosts not using Airbnb's collection service must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue, collect taxes from guests, and remit payments monthly by the 20th of the following month using Form WY-1. Properties rented for 30 or more consecutive days to the same guest are generally exempt from these occupancy taxes, as are certain accommodations for permanent residents, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as regulations can change.

To start an Airbnb in Lander, Wyoming, expect total costs around $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections from Fremont County. Insurance costs increase significantly for short-term rentals, expect $2,000-$4,000 annually compared to standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$350 monthly depending on property size and season. First six months operating costs encompass utilities ($1,200-$2,100), cleaning services between guests ($150-$300 per turnover), maintenance and repairs ($2,000-$4,000), property management software subscriptions ($300-$600), and marketing expenses ($500-$1,000), totaling approximately $8,000-$15,000 for the initial operating period.

Airbnb properties in Lander, Wyoming typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property type and seasonality. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties near Sinks Canyon State Park or downtown Lander command premium rates, particularly during summer months (June-September) when outdoor recreation peaks, with occupancy rates reaching 70-85% compared to 35-50% in winter months. A typical 2-bedroom property purchased for $250,000 in 2022 might generate $28,000 annual revenue with $16,000 in expenses, yielding a 4.8% net return before mortgage costs, though properties with unique amenities like hot tubs or mountain views can achieve 8-12% returns. Success factors include proximity to Wind River Range access points, professional photography showcasing outdoor recreation opportunities, and targeting the growing adventure tourism market, as Lander's position as a gateway to wilderness areas creates consistent demand from climbers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts willing to pay premium rates for well-appointed accommodations.

Airbnb investments in Lander, 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 outdoor recreation areas like the Wind River Range and Sinks Canyon State Park which attract seasonal tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Properties in Lander generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with peak earning potential during summer months (June-September) when occupancy rates can reach 70-85% at average daily rates of $120-180 for well-appointed 2-3 bedroom homes. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and growing popularity among adventure travelers, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with winter occupancy dropping to 35-45%, and total annual gross rental yields typically falling between $25,000-45,000 for properties valued at $250,000-400,000, making the break-even point achievable by year two with proper marketing and property management.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Lander, Wyoming, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents in the Lander area who focus on investment properties include Fremont County Realty and Century 21 BHJ Realty, both established around 2010-2015 and familiar with the vacation rental market dynamics in the region. National services that can assist investors include Mashvisor (founded 2014), which provides Airbnb analytics and investment property search tools, AirDNA (established 2015) for market data and revenue projections, and Awning (launched 2020) which offers end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification and management. Additional local resources include Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates, which expanded into the Lander market around 2018, and Coldwell Banker The Legacy Group, serving the area since approximately 2012. BiggerPockets, the national real estate investment platform founded in 2004, also provides networking opportunities and resources for finding Airbnb investment properties in smaller Wyoming markets like Lander, while Roofstock (established 2015) occasionally features Wyoming rental properties suitable for short-term rental conversion.