Is Marinette, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Marinette, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Marinette City Hall, as the city typically requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and may have specific zoning restrictions in residential areas. Contact the Marinette Building Department to determine if you need special permits, as Wisconsin generally requires compliance with fire safety codes and may mandate smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit plans for rental properties. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX, focusing on areas near popular attractions like the Menominee River or downtown district, with properties typically ranging from $80,000-$200,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $5,000-$15,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and the nearby Peshtigo River, setting competitive rates around $75-$150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and maintaining the property regularly while ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's innkeeper laws and collecting applicable state sales tax of 5% plus local room taxes that Marinette may impose.

To identify profitable STR properties in Marinette, Wisconsin, focus on waterfront locations along Green Bay or the Menominee River, properties within walking distance of downtown attractions like the Menominee Marina and historic district, and homes near outdoor recreation areas such as Peshtigo River State Forest. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and unique features such as lake views, boat access, or historic charm that appeal to tourists visiting for fishing, boating, and seasonal activities. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in the $80-200 per night range, considering seasonal fluctuations with peak rates during summer months (June-August) and fall color season, while factoring in occupancy rates of 40-60% annually. Study competition by examining existing STR listings within a 10-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and monitoring reviews to understand guest preferences and pain points. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Marinette County Tourism Bureau for visitor data, local real estate agents familiar with STR regulations, and the City of Marinette planning department for zoning and permit requirements.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Marinette, Wisconsin, contact the Marinette City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 1905 Hall Avenue or call (715) 732-5140 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental license application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan showing the property layout, obtain a certificate of occupancy if required, provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), and pass a safety inspection conducted by the city's building inspector. Required documents include a valid driver's license, property tax records, floor plans, emergency contact information, and parking plan documentation. The application fee is approximately $150-200 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $75-100. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission to approval, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Marinette-specific requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy based on bedroom count, providing adequate off-street parking (usually 2 spaces minimum), ensuring compliance with residential zoning restrictions, maintaining a 24/7 local contact person within 30 minutes of the property, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Marinette, Wisconsin, but are subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions implemented by the city. As of recent years, Marinette has followed the trend of many Wisconsin municipalities by establishing licensing requirements for STR operators, including registration with the city, compliance with safety standards, and payment of applicable taxes. The city typically restricts STRs in certain residential zones to preserve neighborhood character, with stricter limitations in areas zoned for single-family homes compared to commercial or mixed-use districts. Property owners must obtain proper permits, maintain liability insurance, and ensure their rentals meet building and fire safety codes. Recent legal changes in Wisconsin have given municipalities more authority to regulate STRs, and Marinette has used this power to implement occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances specifically targeting short-term rental properties. The city also requires STR operators to collect and remit room taxes, similar to traditional lodging establishments, and maintains a registry of approved properties to ensure compliance with local regulations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Marinette, Wisconsin are the Historic Downtown District near the Menominee River waterfront, which attracts tourists visiting the Marinette County Historical Museum and guests attending events at the Marinette Marina, and the neighborhoods adjacent to Menominee Park and Zoo, popular with families during summer months. The area near Bay de Noc Community College draws business travelers and visiting families, while properties close to the Peshtigo River offer appeal to fishing enthusiasts and outdoor recreation visitors year-round. The residential areas within walking distance of downtown restaurants and the farmers market perform well due to their proximity to local attractions, and neighborhoods near the Wisconsin-Michigan border benefit from cross-state visitors exploring both Marinette and neighboring Menominee, Michigan, particularly during the annual Twin County Fair and logging heritage festivals.

In Marinette, Wisconsin, Airbnb properties are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax at 5% and room tax at 5%, totaling 10% on lodging rentals. Marinette County imposes an additional room tax of approximately 3%, bringing the combined rate to around 13%. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a seller's permit and collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in. Hosts must remit state sales and room taxes monthly if collections exceed $300 per month, or quarterly if less, using Form ST-12. County room taxes are typically remitted to Marinette County's tourism department on a monthly or quarterly basis. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in some cases through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Properties rented for 30 days or more are generally exempt from room tax but may still be subject to sales tax. Hosts should register with both the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and Marinette County to ensure proper tax collection and remittance procedures are followed.

Starting an Airbnb in Marinette, Wisconsin requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $120,000-150,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $15,000-25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage cost approximately $1,200-2,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total around $500-800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($300/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses typically range from $8,000-12,000 depending on occupancy rates and seasonal demand in the Marinette market.

Airbnb properties in Marinette, Wisconsin typically generate annual revenues between $8,000-$15,000 for standard 2-3 bedroom homes, with peak summer months (June-August) accounting for 60% of bookings due to proximity to Green Bay and outdoor recreation activities. Operating expenses generally range from $4,000-$8,000 annually, including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,200), and maintenance costs. Profit margins typically fall between 25-45%, with waterfront properties near the Menominee River commanding premium rates of $120-180 per night compared to $65-95 for standard properties. Success factors include strategic pricing during Packers game weekends, maintaining 4.5+ star ratings, and targeting fishing enthusiasts and family groups visiting nearby state parks. Properties within walking distance of downtown Marinette or featuring amenities like fire pits, kayaks, or fishing equipment tend to achieve 65-75% occupancy rates versus 45-55% for basic listings, with successful hosts like those operating converted historic homes reporting net profits of $6,000-$12,000 annually after accounting for mortgage interest deductions and depreciation benefits.

Airbnb investments in Marinette, Wisconsin typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by seasonal tourism from nearby Peshtigo River recreation and proximity to Michigan's Upper Peninsula attractions. Properties in downtown Marinette near the waterfront command higher occupancy rates of 45-60% annually, while suburban locations average 35-50% occupancy. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties priced between $80,000-$150,000, with average daily rates of $85-$120 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and growing outdoor recreation tourism, though seasonal fluctuations mean 70% of annual revenue typically occurs between May and October. Operating expenses including property management, utilities, and maintenance generally consume 35-45% of gross rental income, making properties with lower acquisition costs and minimal renovation needs most profitable in this smaller Wisconsin market.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Marinette, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents in the Marinette area who work with Airbnb investors include Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, Century 21 Aspire Group, and RE/MAX North Winds Realty, with agents like those at Shorewest Realtors also serving the region. National services that assist with Airbnb property acquisition include Awning (formerly RedAwning), which provides market analysis and property management, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, AirDNA for short-term rental data and market insights, and Roofstock which occasionally features short-term rental properties. Additional local services include Marinette County property management companies like Vacasa and local vacation rental management firms, while national platforms like BiggerPockets connect investors with local professionals. Real estate investment groups in nearby Green Bay and the greater Wisconsin area, such as those affiliated with the Wisconsin Real Estate Investors Association, also provide resources and connections for investors looking to purchase profitable Airbnb properties in the Marinette market along the Menominee River and near outdoor recreation areas.