Is Longville, Minnesota Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Longville, Minnesota, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Cass County and the City of Longville, as this small lake community may have specific short-term rental ordinances that require registration or permits, particularly given its proximity to Girl Lake and seasonal tourism patterns. Contact Longville City Hall at (218) 363-2284 to inquire about business licenses, occupancy permits, and any homeowner association restrictions if applicable. Find a suitable property near popular attractions like the Paul Bunyan Trail or lakefront areas, ensuring it meets fire safety codes and has adequate parking for guests. Obtain necessary permits including a Minnesota sales tax permit for collecting state and local taxes (currently 6.875% state rate plus local taxes), and consider liability insurance coverage through companies like Proper or CBIZ. Furnish the property with durable, lake-appropriate amenities including fishing equipment storage, boat access information, and winter heating systems given Minnesota's harsh winters. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos showcasing lake views and outdoor activities, pricing competitively with other Longville area rentals (typically $100-200 per night depending on size and season). For management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, create a guidebook highlighting local attractions like Heartland Trail and nearby Hackensack, and consider hiring local cleaning services such as those found through Brainerd Lakes Area businesses since Longville has limited service providers, while maintaining responsive communication for the peak summer season when lake tourism drives most bookings.

To identify profitable STR properties in Longville, Minnesota, focus on lakefront or near-lake locations within walking distance of Leech Lake, as this area attracts significant summer tourism for fishing, boating, and water activities. Target 3-4 bedroom cabins or homes with amenities like docks, fire pits, hot tubs, and modern kitchens, as these features command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak summer months (June-August) compared to $100-150 in shoulder seasons. Analyze pricing by monitoring AirDNA and Mashvisor data for the 56655 zip code, comparing occupancy rates which typically range 60-75% annually in this market, with properties near Leech Lake achieving higher performance than those further inland. Research competition by examining listings within a 5-mile radius, noting that successful properties often emphasize fishing access, boat launches, and proximity to Walker (15 minutes south) for dining and entertainment options. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local resources including the Longville Chamber of Commerce and Cass County tourism data to understand seasonal demand patterns, with peak booking periods occurring during fishing opener (May), summer months, and fall hunting seasons, while winter months see reduced demand except for ice fishing enthusiasts.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Longville, Minnesota, contact the Cass County Planning and Zoning Department at (218) 547-7251 or visit their office at 15 8th Street NW, Walker, MN 56484, as Longville falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Submit a completed short-term rental permit application along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, septic system compliance certificate, well water testing results if applicable, and a $150 application fee. The property must meet setback requirements of 75 feet from ordinary high water mark if near a lake, comply with parking requirements of one space per bedroom plus two additional spaces, maintain occupancy limits of two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, and pass a fire safety inspection including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas. The review process typically takes 30-45 days from submission of complete application, during which time county staff will conduct a site inspection and review compliance with zoning ordinances. Once approved, the permit is valid for one year and requires annual renewal with a $75 fee, and operators must maintain a guest registry, provide emergency contact information to neighbors within 200 feet, and ensure quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM are observed.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Longville, Minnesota are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. As a small city in Cass County, Longville typically follows county-wide ordinances that require STR operators to obtain proper permits and comply with safety standards, including fire safety inspections and occupancy limits. The city likely restricts STRs in certain residential zones to preserve neighborhood character, while allowing them in commercial or mixed-use areas near Leech Lake, which is a popular tourist destination. Property owners must typically register their rentals, pay applicable taxes, and ensure compliance with building codes and parking requirements. Recent changes in Minnesota have included increased state oversight of STR taxation and reporting requirements, with local municipalities like Longville maintaining authority over zoning and operational standards. Given Longville's tourism-dependent economy centered around lake recreation, the city generally supports STRs while balancing community concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Longville, Minnesota are the Leech Lake waterfront district, particularly properties within 1-2 blocks of the lake shore, which attract summer tourists, fishing enthusiasts, and families seeking lake vacations from May through September. The downtown historic district near Highway 84 offers good potential due to proximity to local restaurants, shops, and easy access for business travelers visiting the area's resorts and conference facilities. Properties near the Longville Turtle Races venue on Main Street capitalize on the annual summer festival that draws thousands of visitors each June, creating high seasonal demand. The residential areas along 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue provide attractive options for larger groups and families, offering more space while remaining close to lake activities and local amenities. The northern section near the Paul Bunyan State Trail attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round, including snowmobilers in winter and cyclists in summer, making it ideal for properties that can serve both seasonal markets.

Airbnb properties in Longville, Minnesota are subject to Minnesota state sales tax of 6.875% on lodging, which includes the base state sales tax plus local taxes that may apply in Cass County. The state requires short-term rental operators to register for a sales tax permit and collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, with monthly remittance to the Minnesota Department of Revenue due by the 20th of the following month for properties with regular bookings. Cass County may impose an additional lodging tax of up to 3%, bringing the total potential tax rate to approximately 9.875%, though operators should verify current local rates with Cass County offices. Airbnb may collect and remit state taxes automatically for hosts who opt into their tax collection service, but hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all local tax obligations. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for stays by government employees or certain non-profit organizations, though specific exemption criteria should be confirmed with local tax authorities.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Longville, Minnesota is approximately $285,000-$335,000. Property purchase costs around $200,000-$250,000 based on median lake area home prices in the region. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor gear for the lake setting. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registrations cost approximately $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, internet, and seasonal heating average $300-$400 monthly. First six months operating costs including utilities ($2,100), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800), maintenance reserves ($2,000), marketing ($1,000), and miscellaneous expenses ($1,100) total approximately $8,000. Additional considerations include potential dock permits for lakefront properties and seasonal winterization costs typical for northern Minnesota lake communities.

Airbnb properties in Longville, Minnesota show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $85-150 during peak summer months (May-September) when lake tourism drives demand, dropping to $45-75 in winter months. A typical 2-3 bedroom lakefront cabin can generate $18,000-35,000 in annual gross revenue, while properties further from water earn $12,000-22,000 annually. Operating expenses typically consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-125 per turnover), property management (20-25% if outsourced), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with lakefront homes achieving higher margins due to premium pricing. Success factors include proximity to Leech Lake, professional photography showcasing lake views, amenities like docks or fire pits, and maintaining high cleanliness standards. Properties within walking distance of downtown Longville or offering boat rentals command 20-30% higher rates. Seasonal occupancy rates average 65-75% during summer months but drop to 25-35% in winter, making year-round profitability challenging without winter activities marketing. The market benefits from limited hotel options in the area, creating opportunities for well-positioned Airbnb properties to capture tourism demand from Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area visitors seeking lake recreation experiences.

Based on Longville, Minnesota's seasonal tourism market driven by lake activities and proximity to Chippewa National Forest, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%. Properties near Leech Lake or Girl Lake command premium rates of $150-250 per night during peak summer months (May-September), while off-season rates drop to $80-120 per night. Initial investment for a suitable 2-3 bedroom cabin ranges from $200,000-350,000, with annual gross revenues of $35,000-55,000 and net operating income after expenses (cleaning, maintenance, property management, utilities) of $20,000-35,000. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% during peak season and 25-35% in winter months. The market benefits from consistent demand from Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area visitors (3-hour drive) and fishing enthusiasts, though success heavily depends on property condition, amenities like docks or hot tubs, and effective marketing during the critical summer tourism window when 70% of annual revenue is typically generated.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties including in Longville, Minnesota. Local real estate agents in the Brainerd Lakes area such as Coldwell Banker Realty, RE/MAX Lakes Region, and Century 21 Land of Lakes serve the Longville market and can assist with Airbnb investment properties. Vacasa and RedAwning provide property management services for short-term rentals in Minnesota lake communities. AirDNA offers market data and analytics for Airbnb investments in the Longville area, while Mashvisor provides investment property analysis tools. Local property management companies like Brainerd Lakes Property Management and North Country Property Services can handle day-to-day operations. National services such as Awning, HostGPO, and Hostfully offer comprehensive Airbnb management solutions that serve the Minnesota market. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature properties in Minnesota lake communities, and local vacation rental specialists such as Cragun's Resort Real Estate and Gull Lake Realty have experience with investment properties in the greater Longville region.