Is Logan, Utah Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Logan, Utah, begin by researching local regulations through Logan City's planning department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow STRs in residential zones with restrictions on occupancy and parking. Obtain a business license from Logan City (approximately $50-100 annually) and register for Utah state tax ID for collecting transient room tax (around 4.25% plus local taxes). Find a suitable property in neighborhoods like Island area or near Utah State University, ensuring it meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress windows. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting $3,000-8,000 depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to USU campus, outdoor recreation access to Bear Lake and Logan Canyon, and downtown attractions. For management, establish cleaning protocols between guests (budget $50-100 per turnover), implement keyless entry systems, maintain responsive communication with guests, and consider property management companies like RedAwning or local Logan-based services if managing remotely. Ensure compliance with HOA restrictions if applicable and maintain proper insurance coverage, as standard homeowner's policies typically exclude short-term rental activities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Logan, Utah, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Utah State University campus, near downtown Logan's historic district, or properties with mountain/canyon views that attract outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby Logan Canyon and Bear Lake. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with updated kitchens, reliable WiFi, parking, and outdoor spaces like patios or decks that capitalize on Logan's scenic setting. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark nightly rates between $80-150 depending on size and location, with higher rates during USU events, graduation, and summer outdoor season. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 5-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, guest reviews, and seasonal pricing patterns, particularly during peak times like football season (September-November) and summer recreation months (June-August). Utilize tools like Rabbu for Utah-specific market data, STR Helper for Logan occupancy trends, and connect with local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa who understand Logan's unique market dynamics including student housing regulations and seasonal tourism patterns driven by outdoor recreation and university activities.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Logan, Utah, you must first contact the Logan City Community Development Department at 290 North 100 West or call (435) 716-9000 to begin the application process. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking arrangements, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and payment of applicable fees. The application fee is approximately $100-200 with an annual renewal fee of around $75-150, though exact amounts should be verified with the city. Logan requires STR properties to maintain adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces), comply with occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, provide 24/7 contact information to neighbors and guests, maintain the property according to city housing codes, and ensure quiet hours are observed between 10 PM and 7 AM. The approval timeline is generally 4-6 weeks from submission of a complete application, during which time city staff will review the application and may conduct a property inspection. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all advertising and renew annually by December 31st, with renewal requiring proof of continued insurance and compliance with all regulations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Logan, Utah, but operate under specific municipal regulations established around 2019-2020. The city requires STR operators to obtain a conditional use permit and business license, with properties subject to zoning restrictions that generally allow STRs in residential zones but with limitations on density and concentration in certain neighborhoods. Logan imposes occupancy limits based on property size, requires adequate parking, and mandates that operators maintain contact information for 24/7 response to complaints. The city prohibits STRs in some historic districts and areas with homeowner association restrictions, and properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency egress requirements. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and parking requirements, with the city conducting periodic reviews of STR impacts on housing availability and neighborhood character, though no major prohibitions have been enacted as of 2023-2024.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Logan, Utah include the downtown historic district near Main Street and Center Street, which attracts visitors to Utah State University events, local festivals, and business travelers due to its walkability and proximity to restaurants and shops. The neighborhoods near Utah State University campus, particularly areas around 700 North and 400 East, offer strong rental demand from visiting families during graduation ceremonies, sporting events, and academic conferences. The Riverside area along the Logan River provides scenic appeal for outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby Logan Canyon, Bear Lake, and ski resorts like Beaver Mountain. Properties near the Logan-Cache Airport on the west side capture business travelers and those attending regional conferences at the university. The historic Woodruff neighborhood offers charm for tourists exploring local heritage sites and serves as a base for accessing nearby national forests and recreational areas, while the newer developments in the south Logan area near Providence attract families visiting students and attending university sporting events at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.

In Logan, Utah, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes that must be collected from guests and remitted to tax authorities. The Utah state transient room tax is 4.25% on gross rental receipts, while Cache County imposes an additional 3% transient room tax, bringing the total lodging tax rate to approximately 7.25%. Logan city may also impose a municipal lodging tax of around 1-2%, potentially making the total rate 8-9%. These taxes are collected by the host at the time of booking or check-in and must be remitted monthly to the Utah State Tax Commission for state taxes and to Cache County for county taxes, typically by the 20th of the following month. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some cases through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may have minimum rental amount thresholds below which taxes don't apply, though these exemptions vary and hosts should verify current requirements with local tax authorities as rates and procedures can change.

Starting an Airbnb in Logan, Utah requires approximately $380,000-$420,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $320,000-$350,000 based on Logan's median home prices as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Logan include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $500-$1,000. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $500-$800 initially, with monthly costs around $200-$300. First six months of operating expenses including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($1,800-$3,000), maintenance reserves ($1,000-$2,000), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($2,000-$4,000 assuming 60% occupancy), and marketing costs ($500-$1,000) total approximately $6,500-$11,800, bringing the complete startup investment to $380,000-$420,000 for a turnkey Airbnb operation in Logan, Utah.

Airbnb properties in Logan, Utah typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$18,000 for private rooms, with peak earnings during Utah State University's academic year and summer outdoor recreation seasons. Operating expenses generally range from 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-80 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Profit margins typically fall between 25-45% for well-managed properties, with higher-end homes near USU campus or outdoor recreation areas like Logan Canyon achieving margins closer to 40-50%. Success factors include proximity to Utah State University (properties within 2 miles command 20-30% premium rates), outdoor recreation access, professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and strategic pricing during peak periods like graduation weekends and Beaver Mountain ski season. A typical 3-bedroom home near USU campus might generate $28,000 annually with $16,000 in expenses, yielding approximately $12,000 net profit (43% margin), while properties farther from campus or major attractions often see revenues drop to $18,000-22,000 with similar expense ratios, resulting in lower absolute profits despite comparable percentage margins.

Airbnb investments in Logan, Utah typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to consistent demand from Utah State University students, visiting families, and outdoor recreation tourists accessing nearby Bear Lake and Logan Canyon. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near the university campus and downtown area performing at the higher end of this range. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, particularly for 3-4 bedroom properties that can accommodate larger groups and command nightly rates of $120-200 depending on season and proximity to campus. The market benefits from year-round occupancy rates of 65-75%, with peak performance during university events, summer outdoor season, and winter skiing periods, while average property acquisition costs of $300,000-450,000 for suitable investment properties allow for reasonable entry points with typical renovation costs of $15,000-25,000 to meet short-term rental standards.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Logan, Utah, providing market analysis and investment metrics. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in Logan include Cache Valley Realty Group, Logan Real Estate Partners, and Bear Lake Properties, who understand the local market dynamics and zoning regulations. National services like AirDNA offer comprehensive market data and analytics for Logan's short-term rental market, while Mashvisor provides investment property analysis tools specifically for vacation rental properties. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors maximize their Airbnb returns in Logan. Local property management companies such as Cache Valley Property Management and Northern Utah Vacation Rentals specialize in short-term rental operations. Investment-focused real estate companies like BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock occasionally feature Logan properties suitable for Airbnb conversion. Additionally, local real estate agents from Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX in the Logan area have experience with investment properties and can provide insights into neighborhoods with strong vacation rental potential near Utah State University and outdoor recreation areas.