Is Marbleton, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Marbleton, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through Sublette County and the Town of Marbleton, as Wyoming generally allows short-term rentals but local jurisdictions may have specific requirements including business licenses, occupancy permits, and tax registration with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for lodging taxes (typically 4% state tax plus local taxes). Contact Sublette County Planning Department to verify zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits such as a conditional use permit if required, and register for a Wyoming business license through the Secretary of State's office. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Marbleton's market, considering proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the nearby Wind River Range and Bridger-Teton National Forest which attract tourists year-round. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, including quality bedding, kitchen essentials, outdoor gear storage, and amenities like Wi-Fi and heating systems capable of handling Wyoming's harsh winters. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting mountain views and outdoor access, set competitive pricing based on seasonal demand (higher during summer hiking/fishing season and winter snowmobiling), and emphasize unique local attractions. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with rural Wyoming properties, and consider property management companies in nearby Pinedale or Jackson if you're not local, while maintaining compliance with all tax obligations and guest safety requirements including carbon monoxide detectors and emergency contact information for the remote location.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Marbleton, Wyoming, focus on properties within 30-45 minutes of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park, as this small town of approximately 1,100 residents serves as an affordable alternative to expensive Jackson accommodations. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins, homes with mountain views, outdoor amenities like hot tubs or fire pits, and properties with adequate parking for recreational vehicles and trailers since visitors often come for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in the greater Jackson Hole area, typically ranging from $150-400 per night depending on size and amenities, while keeping acquisition costs under $400,000 to maintain healthy profit margins. Competition research should include monitoring listings within a 50-mile radius including Pinedale, Big Piney, and Jackson, using tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, and STR analytics platforms to assess occupancy rates, seasonal demand patterns, and revenue potential. Leverage local resources such as Sublette County tourism data, Wyoming Game and Fish hunting season calendars, and connect with Marbleton real estate agents familiar with investment properties, while considering the area's peak seasons during summer recreation months (June-September) and hunting seasons (September-November) when demand and rates are highest.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Marbleton, Wyoming, you must first contact the Sublette County Planning and Zoning Department at 21 South Tyler Avenue in Pinedale, Wyoming, as Marbleton falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage, and a septic system inspection certificate if applicable. The application fee is approximately $150 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee, and you may need to pay for a zoning compliance review costing around $200. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission of complete documentation, during which the county will conduct a site inspection to ensure compliance with fire safety codes, parking requirements (minimum 2 spaces), and septic capacity for the proposed occupancy. Specific Marbleton area requirements include adherence to rural residential zoning restrictions limiting occupancy to 8 guests maximum, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, providing adequate waste management for the remote location, and ensuring the property meets county health department standards for water quality and sewage disposal systems common in this unincorporated community.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Marbleton, Wyoming are generally legal but operate under limited local regulation as of 2024. Marbleton, a small unincorporated community in Sublette County, does not have comprehensive municipal STR ordinances like larger Wyoming cities such as Jackson or Cody. The primary regulations come from Sublette County zoning requirements and state-level business licensing requirements. Property owners must typically obtain proper business licenses and comply with health and safety standards, though enforcement is minimal due to the rural nature of the area. There are no specific prohibited zones within Marbleton itself, but properties must meet basic zoning compliance for residential or commercial use. Recent changes have been minimal, with Wyoming's 2022-2023 legislative sessions focusing more on taxation of STRs rather than local restrictions. The lack of formal municipal incorporation means Marbleton relies heavily on county-level oversight, making STR operations relatively straightforward compared to more regulated resort communities in Teton County, though operators should verify current Sublette County requirements and obtain necessary state business registrations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Marbleton, Wyoming are primarily concentrated around the town center and areas with proximity to outdoor recreation access points. The downtown Marbleton area offers convenience for business travelers visiting local energy companies and government offices, while properties near the Green River provide attractive locations for fishing enthusiasts and water recreation tourists. Areas close to Bridger-Teton National Forest access points are highly desirable for hunters, hikers, and outdoor adventure seekers, particularly during hunting seasons and summer recreation periods. Properties along Highway 189 corridor offer good visibility and accessibility for travelers passing through to Jackson Hole or other Wyoming destinations. The residential areas near Marbleton Elementary School and community facilities attract families visiting for local events, youth sports tournaments, and extended family gatherings. Given Marbleton's role as a service hub for the energy industry, properties that can accommodate work crews and business travelers for extended stays perform well, especially those offering multiple bedrooms and parking for work vehicles.

Airbnb properties in Marbleton, Wyoming are subject to Wyoming's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, which is collected by the Wyoming Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by the 19th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $750. Sublette County, where Marbleton is located, imposes an additional 2% county lodging tax that applies to all transient accommodations including Airbnb rentals, bringing the total lodging tax rate to 6%. Property owners must register with both the state and county tax authorities, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and file returns even if no tax is owed during a reporting period. The state provides an annual exemption for properties generating less than $2,000 in gross lodging receipts per year, while stays of 30 days or longer are exempt from lodging taxes but may be subject to regular sales tax. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform in Wyoming as of 2019, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance and should verify that taxes are being properly collected and remitted.

Starting an Airbnb in Marbleton, Wyoming requires approximately $285,000-$320,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in rural Wyoming markets as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor runs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies costs $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals total $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with 6 months costing $600-$1,000. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and trash service require $800-$1,200. First 6 months operating costs including utilities ($3,600-$4,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800-$2,400), maintenance reserves ($2,000-$3,000), marketing ($600-$1,000), and platform fees on estimated bookings ($2,400-$3,600) total approximately $10,400-$14,800. Property taxes, potential property management software, and miscellaneous startup expenses add another $3,000-$5,000 to the total investment.

Airbnb properties in Marbleton, Wyoming show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-150 depending on property size and amenities, generating approximately $15,000-35,000 in annual revenue for properties with 40-60% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally fall between 25-40% for well-managed properties, with success factors including proximity to Pinedale and outdoor recreation areas, quality furnishings targeting hunters and fishermen, professional photography, and responsive guest communication. Properties near the Green River or with mountain views command premium rates, while basic cabins or homes still perform adequately due to limited local accommodation options. Seasonal demand peaks during hunting seasons (September-November) and summer months (June-August), with winter bookings primarily from snowmobilers and ice fishermen. The market benefits from Marbleton's location as a gateway to Bridger-Teton National Forest, though hosts must account for higher utility costs during harsh winters and potential property damage from extreme weather conditions.

Airbnb investments in Marbleton, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by seasonal tourism and outdoor recreation demand in the greater Jackson Hole region. Properties in this small town of approximately 1,200 residents can expect initial profitability within 18-24 months, with peak earning potential during summer months (June-September) when visitors access nearby wilderness areas and fishing destinations. Average nightly rates range from $120-180 for 2-3 bedroom properties, with occupancy rates of 45-60% annually, though winter months see significantly reduced demand. Investment properties typically require $50,000-80,000 down payment for homes priced between $250,000-400,000, with gross rental yields of 10-14% before expenses, making the market moderately attractive for investors seeking rural mountain market exposure with lower competition than premium resort destinations like Jackson or Teton Village.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Marbleton, Wyoming. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates and Teton County Realty, both serving the greater western Wyoming region including Marbleton since 2018. National services like Mashvisor (founded 2014), BiggerPockets (established 2004), and AirDNA (launched 2015) offer market analysis and property identification tools for the Marbleton area. Regional firms such as Wyoming Investment Properties LLC and Mountain West Real Estate Investors have been active in the Sublette County market since 2019, focusing on vacation rental opportunities near the Green River and surrounding recreational areas. Additional services include RedAwning property management, which has operated in Wyoming since 2016, and local property management companies like Pinedale Property Services and Green River Vacation Rentals, both established around 2020 to serve the growing short-term rental market in southwestern Wyoming communities including Marbleton.