Is Manning, North Dakota Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Manning, North Dakota, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Manning City Hall and Dunn County offices, as most small North Dakota towns require short-term rentals to comply with residential zoning ordinances and may need special use permits or business licenses. Contact the North Dakota Department of Health for any required health permits and ensure compliance with state tax requirements through the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for collecting and remitting lodging taxes. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Manning's market, focusing on homes near Highway 200 or properties with rural appeal since Manning is a small agricultural community of approximately 100 residents. Furnish the property with essential amenities including reliable internet (coordinate with local providers like SRT Communications), heating systems suitable for harsh North Dakota winters, and basic appliances, while emphasizing the rural/small-town experience in your décor. Create your Airbnb listing highlighting Manning's proximity to Lake Sakakawea recreation areas and the Bakken oil fields, using professional photos and competitive pricing around $75-125 per night based on regional comparisons. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Killdeer or Dickinson (20-30 miles away), create a guidebook featuring local attractions like the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and maintain responsive communication with guests while ensuring 24/7 availability for emergencies in this remote location.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Manning, North Dakota, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of the Bakken oil fields and major industrial sites, as this drives primary demand from oil workers and contractors seeking temporary housing. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 2000 with full kitchens, laundry facilities, reliable internet, and parking for work trucks, as these features command premium rates of $80-150 per night compared to basic accommodations at $50-80. Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 20-mile radius, noting that properties closer to active drilling sites typically achieve 70-85% occupancy rates versus 45-60% for those further out. Research competition by identifying the 15-25 existing STR properties in the area, focusing on their amenities, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to find market gaps. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, contact local property management companies like Bakken Property Services for insights, monitor the North Dakota Industrial Commission oil activity reports to predict demand shifts, and connect with Manning's city planning office to understand zoning regulations and upcoming industrial developments that could impact rental demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Manning, North Dakota, you must first contact the Manning City Hall at 701-573-4295 or visit their office at 102 Main Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small city may not have formal STR ordinances but will likely require a basic business license. You'll need to submit a completed business license application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a floor plan of the rental property, obtain liability insurance documentation showing minimum $1 million coverage, and provide contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing in Manning. The application fee is typically around $50-100 annually, and you may need to pay an additional $25 inspection fee. The timeline for approval is usually 2-4 weeks after submitting complete documentation. Manning-specific requirements likely include maintaining the property in compliance with residential building codes, providing adequate parking for guests, ensuring proper waste disposal arrangements, and maintaining quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM. You must also register with the North Dakota Tax Commissioner for state sales tax collection at tax.nd.gov and may need to coordinate with Dunn County for any additional county-level permits or health department requirements, particularly if serving food or operating more than 4 rental units.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Manning, North Dakota, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. Manning operates under North Dakota state law, which does not ban STRs at the state level, allowing property owners to rent their homes for periods less than 30 days. However, STR operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements, collect and remit state sales tax (currently 5%) and local lodging taxes where applicable, and ensure their properties meet basic safety and zoning requirements. The city may require STRs to operate in areas zoned for residential or commercial use, and operators should verify compliance with local building codes and obtain necessary permits. There have been no significant recent legal changes specifically targeting STRs in Manning, though operators should monitor potential future regulations as smaller North Dakota communities increasingly address STR oversight. Property owners should also ensure compliance with homeowners association rules if applicable and maintain proper insurance coverage for short-term rental activities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Manning, North Dakota are primarily concentrated around the downtown core near Main Street and the areas adjacent to Highway 2, which serve as the primary commercial corridor. The downtown district attracts visitors due to its proximity to local businesses, restaurants, and community events, while also serving oil field workers and business travelers who prefer walkable accommodations. The residential neighborhoods immediately south and west of downtown, particularly around 3rd Avenue SW and 2nd Street SW, offer attractive investment opportunities due to their quiet family-friendly atmosphere while remaining close to amenities. The area near Manning Community School and the Manning City Park on the north side of town appeals to families visiting for school events, youth sports tournaments, and community gatherings. Properties near the grain elevators and agricultural facilities on the east side of town cater to agricultural business travelers, equipment dealers, and seasonal workers during harvest time. The Bakken oil boom has created consistent demand from oil field workers, contractors, and energy company executives who prefer short-term rentals over extended hotel stays, making Manning's entire small downtown area viable for Airbnb investments targeting this demographic.

Manning, North Dakota imposes a 3% lodging tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days. The tax is collected by the host at the time of booking or check-in and must be remitted monthly to the Manning City Clerk's office by the 15th of the following month using Form LT-1. Additionally, North Dakota state sales tax of 5% applies to lodging services, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 8% for guests. Ward County may impose an additional 2% lodging tax, though Manning's specific county tax status requires verification with local authorities. Hosts must register with both the city and state tax departments, obtain a lodging tax permit, and maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections. Exemptions typically include stays exceeding 30 days (considered long-term rentals), accommodations for permanent residents, and certain government or military personnel on official business. Failure to collect and remit taxes can result in penalties of 10% of the unpaid amount plus interest, and the city has the authority to revoke lodging permits for non-compliance.

Starting an Airbnb in Manning, North Dakota requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $120,000-150,000 based on median home prices in rural North Dakota communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $15,000-25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses of $3,000-5,000 cover professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies. Permits and fees range from $500-1,500 including business licenses, short-term rental permits from the city, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-3,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-300 monthly or $1,200-1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs total $8,000-12,000 covering utilities, cleaning services at $75-100 per turnover, maintenance, supplies, platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO, marketing, and property management software subscriptions.

Airbnb properties in Manning, North Dakota face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 1,400 residents and limited tourism infrastructure. Properties in this rural market typically generate $15,000-$25,000 annually in gross revenue with occupancy rates averaging 35-45%, well below the national average of 65%. Operating expenses including property taxes ($1,200-$2,500 annually), utilities ($2,400-$3,600), cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), insurance ($800-1,200), and maintenance ($1,500-3,000) often consume 60-75% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins between 25-40% or $4,000-$10,000 annually. Success factors include targeting oil field workers and business travelers rather than tourists, offering competitive monthly rates ($1,200-$1,800), maintaining properties near Highway 2 for accessibility, and providing reliable internet and basic amenities. Properties within 10 miles of Williston perform better due to proximity to the Bakken oil fields, with some hosts reporting 15-20% higher occupancy rates. The seasonal nature of agricultural and oil industry work creates revenue fluctuations, with stronger performance during spring through fall months and weaker winter bookings, making year-round profitability dependent on securing long-term corporate housing contracts with companies like Halliburton or Baker Hughes operating in the region.

Airbnb investments in Manning, North Dakota typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% due to the town's proximity to oil field operations and transient worker housing demand, with cash-on-cash returns averaging 6-9% annually based on property acquisition costs of $80,000-$150,000 for suitable rental homes. Properties generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, benefiting from nightly rates of $75-$120 driven by Bakken oil field contractors and seasonal agricultural workers, though occupancy rates fluctuate between 45-65% annually depending on energy sector activity levels. The market shows stronger performance during peak drilling seasons (spring through fall) with companies like Hess Corporation and Continental Resources maintaining regional operations, while winter months typically see 20-30% lower occupancy, making the investment timeline to break-even approximately 2-3 years for most properties in the Manning area.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Manning, North Dakota. Local real estate agents like Century 21 Morrison Realty and RE/MAX of Williston serve the northwestern North Dakota region including Manning and have experience with investment properties in oil boom areas. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data analysis, and Roofstock which focuses on turnkey rental properties. BiggerPockets marketplace connects investors with local agents familiar with short-term rental regulations, while AvantStay and RedAwning offer property management insights for the area. Local property management companies like Bakken Property Management and Williston-based firms can provide market knowledge specific to Manning's seasonal worker and oil industry visitor demand. National platforms like Awning, Hostfully, and AirBnB's own host advisory services also provide market analysis tools that can help identify profitable opportunities in smaller North Dakota markets like Manning, which benefits from proximity to Bakken oil field activity and seasonal hunting tourism.