Is Marble, Colorado Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Marble, Colorado, begin by researching Gunnison County's short-term rental regulations, as Marble falls under county jurisdiction and typically requires a business license and may need special use permits for rentals under 30 days. Contact Gunnison County Planning Department to obtain necessary permits, which usually cost $200-500 and require property inspections for safety compliance. Find a suitable property in Marble's limited real estate market, focusing on cabins or homes near outdoor recreation areas, with properties typically ranging $300,000-800,000 due to the town's remote location and small size of approximately 130 residents. Furnish the property with rustic, mountain-appropriate decor including quality bedding, kitchen essentials, outdoor gear storage, and reliable internet since cell service can be spotty in this former mining town. Create your Airbnb listing emphasizing Marble's proximity to Crystal Mill, marble quarries, and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and off-roading, with competitive pricing around $150-300 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Carbondale or Glenwood Springs (30-45 minutes away), install keyless entry systems, provide detailed local information including road conditions and seasonal accessibility, and consider hiring a local property management company since Marble's remote location and harsh winters can make hands-on management challenging for non-residents.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Marble, Colorado, focus on locations within walking distance of the Crystal Mill and Marble Quarry historic sites, properties with mountain or river views along the Crystal River, and homes accessible to Snowmass and Aspen (30-45 minutes drive). Prioritize 3-4 bedroom cabins or historic homes with rustic charm, outdoor amenities like hot tubs or fire pits, reliable internet for remote workers, and parking for multiple vehicles since most visitors drive. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to track seasonal rates ($200-400/night in summer, $150-250 in winter), with peak demand during fall foliage season (September-October) and summer hiking months (June-August). Research competition by monitoring the 15-20 existing STR properties on Airbnb and VRBO, noting their occupancy rates, amenities, and guest reviews to identify gaps in the market. Utilize tools like Rabbu for Marble-specific market data, connect with local real estate agents familiar with STR regulations in Gunnison County, and consider properties under $800,000 that can generate 15-20% annual returns given Marble's growing popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and photographers seeking authentic Colorado mountain experiences.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Marble, Colorado, you must first contact the Gunnison County Planning Department since Marble is an unincorporated town within Gunnison County jurisdiction. Submit your application through the county's planning office located at 221 N Wisconsin Street in Gunnison, providing required documents including a completed short-term rental application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate, well water testing results if applicable, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and a $350 application fee plus $150 annual renewal fee. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks and requires compliance with Gunnison County's specific requirements including maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity, mandatory 24-hour local contact person, noise ordinance compliance, adequate parking for all guests, proper waste management plan, and adherence to all building and fire safety codes. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all online listings and renew annually by December 31st, with the county conducting periodic inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with health, safety, and zoning regulations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Marble, Colorado are generally legal but subject to local regulations and Gunnison County oversight. As a small unincorporated community in Gunnison County, Marble falls under county jurisdiction for STR regulations, which typically require business licenses, safety inspections, and compliance with zoning restrictions. The county has implemented registration requirements and occupancy limits, with some areas potentially restricted based on residential zoning classifications. Recent changes around 2021-2022 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced registration processes, though Marble's remote location and small size mean enforcement may be less intensive than in larger resort communities like Aspen or Vail. Property owners must ensure compliance with fire safety codes, septic system capacity limits, and parking requirements, while some residential neighborhoods may have deed restrictions or HOA rules that limit or prohibit short-term rental operations.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Marble, Colorado center around the historic downtown district near the marble quarries, which attracts tourists interested in the town's famous Yule Marble heritage used in the Lincoln Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Crystal River corridor offers excellent opportunities due to its proximity to world-class fly fishing, with peak seasons during summer months when anglers flock to the area. Properties near the Marble Mill Site provide unique appeal for history enthusiasts and photographers drawn to the preserved industrial ruins and scenic mountain backdrops. The residential areas along County Road 3 toward Crystal offer investment potential for visitors accessing the Crystal Mill, one of Colorado's most photographed landmarks, particularly during fall foliage season from mid-September to early October. Properties with mountain views toward Mount Sopris command premium rates due to the dramatic alpine scenery, while locations near trailheads for hiking and off-road vehicle access to ghost towns like Crystal attract adventure tourists during summer and early fall seasons.

Airbnb properties in Marble, Colorado are subject to Colorado state lodging tax of 2.9% on gross rental receipts, which Airbnb typically collects and remits directly to the state on behalf of hosts for stays under 30 days. Gunnison County, where Marble is located, imposes an additional lodging tax of approximately 1-2% that may need to be collected by hosts and remitted quarterly to the county treasurer's office. The Town of Marble may also levy a local accommodation tax of 2-4%, though collection and remittance procedures vary and hosts should register with the town clerk's office to determine specific requirements. Most jurisdictions exempt stays of 30 days or longer from lodging taxes, and some may have minimum revenue thresholds before collection requirements apply. Hosts are generally required to obtain lodging tax licenses from each applicable jurisdiction, maintain detailed records of all rental transactions, and file periodic returns even if no tax is owed, with penalties typically ranging from $50-200 for late filings plus interest on unpaid amounts.

To start an Airbnb in Marble, Colorado, expect total costs of approximately $875,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $800,000-$850,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom mountain home suitable for short-term rentals in this small historic town near Aspen. Furnishing costs range $25,000-$35,000 for quality mountain lodge-style furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and outdoor gear appropriate for the area's skiing and hiking tourism. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials costs $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees total $1,500-$2,500, covering Colorado short-term rental registration, Gunnison County business license, and local compliance requirements. Insurance including short-term rental coverage and liability protection costs $3,000-$4,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, propane heating, internet, and waste management require $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($2,400), cleaning services ($3,600), maintenance reserves ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($1,200) total approximately $9,500. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees and seasonal accessibility challenges due to Marble's remote mountain location and winter weather conditions.

Airbnb properties in Marble, Colorado, demonstrate strong profitability potential due to the town's proximity to Aspen and Crystal River Valley recreational activities, with typical short-term rental properties generating $80,000-$150,000 in annual revenue depending on size and amenities. Operating expenses typically range from 35-45% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$150 per turnover), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$4,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$6,000 yearly. Properties near the Crystal Mill or with mountain views achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% during peak seasons (June-September and December-March), with average daily rates of $250-$450 for 2-3 bedroom cabins and $150-$250 for smaller units. Success factors include professional photography showcasing outdoor access, partnerships with local activity providers like Marble Distilling Co., proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots along the Crystal River, and amenities such as hot tubs, fire pits, and ski storage. Net profit margins typically range from 25-35% for well-managed properties, with some luxury cabins near Beaver Lake achieving margins above 40%, making Marble's Airbnb market particularly attractive for investors willing to navigate seasonal demand fluctuations and remote property management challenges.

Airbnb investments in Marble, Colorado can expect annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's proximity to Aspen and year-round outdoor recreation demand. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $200-400 per night during peak ski season (December-March) and $150-250 during summer months. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months of operation, assuming a 70% occupancy rate and proper property management. The market benefits from Marble's growing reputation as a luxury mountain destination, with vacation rental properties seeing consistent 6-8% annual appreciation alongside rental income. Properties requiring $50,000-100,000 in initial investment for furnishing and renovations typically generate $25,000-45,000 in annual net rental income after expenses, making the timeframe to full investment recovery approximately 4-6 years when combining cash flow and appreciation.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Marble, Colorado. Local real estate agents in the Gunnison Valley area such as Crested Butte Sotheby's International Realty and Gunnison Country Realty have extensive knowledge of the Marble market and vacation rental potential. National services like AirDNA provide market analytics and revenue projections for Airbnb investments in the region, while Mashvisor offers property analysis tools specifically for short-term rental investments. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services for investors who purchase Airbnb properties in Marble. Local agents like those at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Rocky Mountain Realty and RE/MAX Alpine Properties understand the seasonal rental patterns in this mountain community. BiggerPockets connects investors with local experts familiar with Colorado's short-term rental regulations, and companies like Awning provide financing specifically for Airbnb investment properties. Roofstock and Arrived Homes have expanded into vacation rental markets including Colorado mountain towns, while local property management companies such as Crystal Valley Property Management assist investors with the operational aspects of running profitable Airbnb properties in the Marble area.