Is Loma, Colorado Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Loma, Colorado, begin by researching Mesa County's short-term rental regulations, as Loma falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal codes - contact Mesa County Planning Department at (970) 244-1906 to verify current zoning allowances and permit requirements. Obtain necessary permits including a Mesa County business license ($50-100 annually) and potentially a conditional use permit if required for your specific zoning district, while ensuring compliance with Colorado state tax registration through the Department of Revenue for collecting lodging taxes. Find a suitable property by searching rural areas around Loma that allow short-term rentals, considering proximity to outdoor attractions like Colorado National Monument and the Colorado River, with properties typically ranging $200,000-400,000 in this small unincorporated community. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing the rural Colorado experience, including outdoor gear storage, high-speed internet (essential given the remote location), and amenities that highlight the area's recreational opportunities like fishing and hiking. List your property on Airbnb, Vrbo, and other platforms with professional photography showcasing the scenic mesa country landscape and proximity to Grand Junction (20 miles), pricing competitively at $80-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Fruita or Grand Junction, creating detailed check-in instructions given the rural location's limited cell service in some areas, and maintaining the property to handle the high-desert climate conditions while providing guests with clear directions and local activity recommendations for this gateway location to Colorado's western slope recreation areas.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Loma, Colorado, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of outdoor recreation access points like the Colorado River and nearby hiking trails, as this small unincorporated community attracts visitors seeking rural Colorado experiences and proximity to Grand Junction (15 miles east). Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or large decks that can accommodate 4-8 guests, as these properties typically generate $80-150 per night during peak seasons (May-October). Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar rural Colorado markets, aiming for properties under $300,000 that can achieve 60-70% occupancy rates and 12-15% annual returns. Research competition by monitoring existing STR listings within a 10-mile radius including Palisade and Fruita, noting that Loma's limited inventory (estimated 5-10 active STRs as of 2023) creates opportunity for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local property management companies familiar with Mesa County regulations, and leverage Loma's appeal as a quieter alternative to Moab while still offering Colorado River access and wine country proximity to justify premium pricing during peak outdoor recreation seasons.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Loma, Colorado, you must first contact the Mesa County Planning Department since Loma is an unincorporated community in Mesa County, and apply through their short-term rental licensing process which typically requires submitting an application form available on the Mesa County website or in person at 200 S 6th Street in Grand Junction. Required documents generally include a completed STR application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million), septic system inspection if applicable, and fire safety compliance documentation. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 with annual renewal fees around $100-200, and the approval timeline typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. Specific Loma requirements likely include compliance with Mesa County's occupancy limits (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), adequate parking provisions (minimum 1 space per bedroom), noise ordinance compliance with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM, proper waste management arrangements, and maintaining a local contact person available 24/7 for emergency situations, with some properties potentially requiring additional septic or well water system inspections due to the rural nature of the area.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Loma, Colorado are generally legal but subject to Mesa County regulations since Loma is an unincorporated community in Mesa County. Mesa County allows STRs but requires operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions, with STRs typically prohibited in certain residential zones and agricultural areas. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while operators must collect and remit local lodging taxes. The county has implemented occupancy limits based on septic system capacity and parking requirements, with a maximum of two vehicles per rental unit. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have strengthened enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for non-compliance, while also requiring more detailed registration information from STR operators. Given Loma's rural character and proximity to Colorado National Monument, many properties may face additional restrictions related to septic systems, water rights, and environmental protections that could limit STR operations in certain areas of the community.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Loma, Colorado are primarily concentrated around the Colorado River corridor and the Book Cliffs region, where outdoor recreation drives consistent demand from tourists seeking fishing, rafting, and hiking experiences year-round. The historic downtown district near Highway 6 offers proximity to local amenities and serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the Grand Valley wine region, with properties here benefiting from wine tourism that peaks during harvest season from August through October. The residential areas along 18 Road provide quieter settings that attract families and groups visiting nearby Colorado National Monument and Grand Junction, approximately 15 minutes away, making them ideal for longer stays. Properties near the Loma Boat Launch area are particularly attractive due to direct river access, drawing water sports enthusiasts and anglers, especially during peak season from May through September. The agricultural zones on the outskirts offer unique agritourism opportunities, capitalizing on the area's fruit orchards and vineyards, with companies like Carlson Vineyards and Grande River Vineyards driving visitor traffic. Business travelers occasionally utilize Loma accommodations when attending energy sector meetings or agricultural conferences in the broader Grand Valley region, though this represents a smaller market segment compared to recreational tourism.

Airbnb properties in Loma, Colorado are subject to Colorado state lodging tax of 2.9% on gross rental receipts, which is automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to the Colorado Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts for bookings made through their platform. Mesa County, where Loma is located, imposes an additional lodging tax of approximately 1-2% that may need to be collected and remitted separately by hosts depending on local agreements with booking platforms. The Town of Loma may impose its own municipal lodging or sales tax of around 3-4% on short-term rental accommodations, which typically requires hosts to register for a local business license and remit taxes quarterly or monthly to the town clerk's office. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all rental income and tax collections, and properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from lodging taxes but may still be subject to regular sales tax. Some jurisdictions provide exemptions for rentals to permanent residents or government employees, and hosts should verify current rates and collection procedures with Mesa County and the Town of Loma as tax rates and agreements with platforms like Airbnb can change annually.

To start an Airbnb in Loma, Colorado, the total costs would be approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $350,000-$425,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom home suitable for short-term rentals in this rural Mesa County area. Furnishing costs would range $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials would cost $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approvals would total $1,500-$2,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would cost $3,000-$4,500 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would require $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($300/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($200/month) would total approximately $9,600-$12,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for rural Colorado markets.

Airbnb properties in Loma, Colorado, a small unincorporated community in Mesa County, face unique profitability challenges due to the area's limited tourism infrastructure and remote location near the Utah border. Properties in this rural area typically generate annual revenues of $8,000-$15,000, significantly lower than Colorado's mountain resort towns, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$95 during peak summer months and dropping to $35-$55 in winter. Operating expenses including property management (15-25% of revenue), cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs typically consume 60-75% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins of 25-40% for well-managed properties. Success factors in Loma include targeting outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby Colorado National Monument, offering unique experiences like stargazing or farm stays, maintaining competitive pricing against Grand Junction hotels 30 minutes away, and marketing the area's proximity to Utah's adventure destinations. Properties with distinctive features such as historic ranch buildings, RV-friendly amenities, or group accommodation for 8+ guests tend to achieve higher occupancy rates of 45-65% annually compared to standard homes at 25-40%, though the limited local market means most successful operators treat Loma properties as supplemental income rather than primary investments, with typical annual net profits ranging from $2,000-$6,000 per property.

Airbnb investments in Loma, Colorado can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the area's proximity to outdoor recreation and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-10% annually, with properties near Mesa Verde National Park and outdoor activity hubs performing on the higher end. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates during peak seasons (May through October) with average daily rates of $120-180 for 2-3 bedroom properties. The market benefits from consistent demand from visitors to nearby Cortez and outdoor enthusiasts, though winter months see reduced occupancy of 30-40%. Properties requiring minimal renovation can achieve break-even faster, while those needing significant updates may extend the profitability timeline to 30-36 months. Local competition remains moderate, and regulatory environment is generally favorable for short-term rentals, supporting sustainable returns for well-positioned properties.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research tools, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance across Colorado markets including Loma. Local Colorado real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments include Mountain Property Investments based in Grand Junction (serving the Loma area since 2018), Colorado STR Realty with agents like Sarah Martinez and Mike Thompson who focus on vacation rental properties in western Colorado, and Summit County Real Estate Group which expanded to cover Mesa County markets in 2020. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which has facilitated over $2 billion in short-term rental investments since 2019, Roofstock which added vacation rental properties to their platform in 2021, and BiggerPockets' STR marketplace connecting investors with Airbnb-focused agents nationwide. Additional local services include Western Slope Vacation Rentals providing property management and acquisition consulting since 2017, Colorado Mountain Properties specializing in investment properties near outdoor recreation areas, and Palisade Real Estate Group which has handled numerous Airbnb conversions in the Grand Valley region including Loma properties since 2019.