Is Lingle, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Lingle, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through Goshen County and the Town of Lingle, as Wyoming generally has minimal state-level short-term rental restrictions, but local municipalities may have specific requirements including business licenses, zoning compliance, and tax registration with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for lodging taxes (typically 4% state tax plus local taxes). Obtain necessary permits by contacting Lingle Town Hall for business licenses, ensuring your property meets zoning requirements for short-term rentals, and registering for Wyoming sales tax and local lodging tax collection. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a home in residential areas that allow short-term rentals, considering proximity to local attractions like the Oregon Trail sites and Torrington amenities, with properties typically ranging from $80,000-$200,000 in the area. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen supplies, WiFi, heating/cooling systems suitable for Wyoming's climate, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $5,000-$15,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, creating compelling descriptions highlighting rural Wyoming charm, outdoor activities, and historical significance, with competitive pricing around $75-$150 per night based on local market rates. Manage your Airbnb by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating with local cleaning services in Torrington or Lingle, and ensuring compliance with ongoing tax obligations and any seasonal considerations for Wyoming's harsh winters.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Lingle, Wyoming, focus on properties within 30-45 minutes of major attractions like Fort Laramie National Historic Site and the North Platte River, as Lingle's small population of approximately 500 requires drawing guests from regional tourism. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or large yards that appeal to families and groups seeking rural Wyoming experiences. Analyze comparable nightly rates in nearby Torrington and Scottsbluff, Nebraska (likely $80-150/night), while keeping acquisition costs under $200,000 to maintain healthy profit margins in this rural market. Research competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within a 25-mile radius, noting that limited inventory could work in your favor but also indicates smaller demand. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment calculations, and local resources including Goshen County tourism data, Wyoming Office of Tourism statistics, and partnerships with Cheyenne-area property management companies who understand rural STR markets, while ensuring compliance with Goshen County's zoning regulations and any emerging STR ordinances.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Lingle, Wyoming, you will need to contact the Goshen County Planning and Zoning Department since Lingle is an unincorporated community within Goshen County. Apply by submitting a conditional use permit application to the Goshen County Clerk's Office located at 2125 East A Street in Torrington, Wyoming, or contact them at (307) 532-4051. Required documents typically include a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking and access, septic system inspection certificate, fire safety compliance documentation, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is estimated at $200-400 plus additional inspection fees of approximately $100-200. The timeline generally takes 30-60 days for processing, including a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Specific Lingle area requirements include compliance with rural residential zoning standards, adequate septic capacity for increased occupancy, minimum two off-street parking spaces per rental unit, 24-hour local contact person designation, and adherence to Wyoming state lodging tax registration requirements. You must also register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for sales tax collection and may need additional permits from the Wyoming Department of Health if serving food or operating a commercial kitchen.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Lingle, Wyoming, as the state of Wyoming does not prohibit STRs at the state level and allows local municipalities to regulate them. Lingle, a small town in Goshen County with a population under 500, does not appear to have specific municipal ordinances restricting or heavily regulating short-term rentals as of 2024. However, STR operators must comply with basic business licensing requirements and may need to collect and remit state and local lodging taxes, which Wyoming imposes at 4% state tax plus any local taxes that Goshen County may levy. The town likely follows standard zoning regulations that would require STRs to operate in areas zoned for residential or commercial use, and operators should ensure compliance with health and safety codes. Recent trends in Wyoming show increasing STR activity in tourist areas, though smaller towns like Lingle have seen less regulatory scrutiny compared to destinations like Jackson or Cody. Property owners should verify current local requirements with Lingle's town clerk and Goshen County offices, as regulations can change and small municipalities sometimes adopt new ordinances without extensive public notice.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Lingle, Wyoming are primarily concentrated around the town center near Highway 85 and the Union Pacific Railroad corridor, which attracts business travelers and railroad workers needing temporary accommodations. The residential areas along Lingle Road and near the Lingle Community Center offer good potential due to their proximity to local amenities and the town's agricultural events. Properties near the North Platte River access points are particularly attractive for outdoor enthusiasts visiting for fishing, hunting, and recreational activities, especially during peak seasons from May through September. The area around the historic Lingle grain elevators and agricultural facilities draws agribusiness professionals and seasonal workers during harvest times. Additionally, properties within walking distance of the Lingle Bar and Cafe benefit from the limited local accommodation options, making them attractive to travelers passing through on Highway 85 between Torrington and the Nebraska border, as well as visitors attending local community events and family gatherings in this tight-knit rural community.

Airbnb properties in Lingle, Wyoming 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 host and remitted quarterly to the Wyoming Department of Revenue by the last day of the month following each quarter. Goshen County imposes an additional 2% lodging tax that applies to all transient accommodations including Airbnbs, bringing the total lodging tax rate to approximately 6%. The town of Lingle may impose a local lodging tax of up to 2% under Wyoming statute, though specific rates vary by municipality. Hosts must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for a lodging tax license and file returns even if no tax is due for a given period. Collections are typically handled through the Airbnb platform for participating hosts, though individual hosts remain responsible for ensuring proper remittance. Exemptions generally apply to 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 law.

Starting an Airbnb in Lingle, Wyoming requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in rural Wyoming communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property costs $15,000-25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and appliances. Initial setup expenses total $3,000-5,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations. Permits and fees range from $500-1,500 including business licenses, short-term rental permits from Goshen County, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs $1,200-2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits require $500-800 for electricity, water, sewer, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs total $8,000-12,000 including utilities ($200-300/month), cleaning services ($75-100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($300-500/month), Airbnb platform fees (3% host fee), marketing expenses, and property management software subscriptions.

Airbnb properties in Lingle, Wyoming face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 500 residents and limited tourist infrastructure, with average nightly rates typically ranging from $75-120 compared to Wyoming's statewide average of $150-200. Properties in this rural southeastern Wyoming community generally achieve occupancy rates of only 25-35% annually, generating gross revenues of $8,000-15,000 per year, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and Airbnb fees typically consume 70-85% of gross income, resulting in net profit margins of 15-30% or roughly $1,200-4,500 annually. Success factors for profitable operations include targeting hunting and fishing enthusiasts visiting nearby Hawk Springs Reservoir, oil field workers seeking temporary housing, and travelers seeking budget accommodations between Cheyenne and Scottsbluff, with properties featuring outdoor amenities, reliable internet, and competitive pricing performing better than basic listings. A typical 3-bedroom property purchased for $120,000 with a $800 monthly mortgage might generate $12,000 in annual revenue but face $9,600 in total expenses, yielding a modest $2,400 annual profit, making Lingle's Airbnb market suitable primarily for local property owners seeking supplemental income rather than dedicated investment properties.

Based on Lingle, Wyoming market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near recreational areas or along major travel routes to Yellowstone National Park tend to perform at the higher end of this range, with initial profitability expected within 18-24 months of operation. The market benefits from seasonal tourism traffic during summer months (June-September) when occupancy rates can reach 65-75%, while winter months see reduced demand at 25-35% occupancy. Average daily rates in Lingle range from $85-140 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, with annual gross rental yields of 10-14% before expenses. Properties purchased in the $150,000-250,000 range with 20-25% down payments show the strongest cash-on-cash performance, particularly those requiring minimal renovation work to meet short-term rental standards.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Lingle, Wyoming, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents in the Lingle area who specialize in investment properties include Wyoming Ranch & Home Real Estate and Century 21 BHJ Realty, both serving the southeastern Wyoming market with expertise in vacation rental investments. National services like AirDNA provide market analysis and revenue projections for Airbnb properties in rural Wyoming markets, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools that cover smaller markets including Lingle. RedAwning specializes in vacation rental property management and acquisition services throughout Wyoming, and VRBO's professional services division assists investors in identifying high-performing rental markets in rural areas. Local property management companies such as Wyoming Vacation Rentals and High Plains Property Management offer turnkey solutions for investors looking to purchase and operate Airbnb properties in Lingle and surrounding Goshen County areas. BiggerPockets' marketplace and networking platform connects investors with local professionals familiar with Wyoming's short-term rental regulations and market conditions, while Awning provides end-to-end investment services including property identification, purchase assistance, and management for vacation rentals in emerging markets like Lingle.