Is Marshfield, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Marshfield, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Marshfield Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that may limit rentals in certain neighborhoods. Contact the Wood County Health Department for any required health permits and ensure compliance with Wisconsin state tax requirements including sales tax registration. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX, focusing on areas near Marshfield Clinic or downtown attractions, with average property prices ranging from $150,000-$300,000 as of 2023. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting approximately $5,000-$15,000 for initial furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Marshfield Clinic, Wildwood Park & Zoo, and downtown dining, setting competitive rates around $75-$125 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, maintaining the property regularly, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while monitoring local occupancy rates and adjusting pricing seasonally to maximize revenue in this medical tourism-focused market.

To identify profitable STR properties in Marshfield, Wisconsin, focus on locations within walking distance of the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield campus, near the Marshfield Clinic (a major medical destination), and close to downtown amenities along Central Avenue. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, reliable Wi-Fi, and parking, as these appeal to medical professionals, university visitors, and families. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against existing STRs, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can generate $80-120 nightly rates during peak medical conference seasons and university events. Research competition by analyzing the 15-25 existing Airbnb listings in Marshfield, focusing on occupancy rates, guest reviews, and pricing strategies of properties near major employers like Marshfield Clinic and Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital. Utilize tools like STR Helper for market analysis, connect with local real estate agents familiar with investment properties, monitor the Marshfield MLS for deals, and consider properties in nearby areas like Wisconsin Rapids for expanded market reach while maintaining proximity to Marshfield's primary demand drivers.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Marshfield, Wisconsin, contact the Marshfield City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 1000 N Central Ave or call (715) 387-1195 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 rental unit layout, obtain a certificate of occupancy if required, provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), and pass any required inspections including fire safety and building code compliance. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-150. Required documents include a valid Wisconsin driver's license or state ID, property tax records, floor plans, emergency contact information, and parking plans. The city requires STR operators to register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax collection, maintain occupancy limits based on bedrooms (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide adequate parking spaces, and ensure 24/7 contact availability for noise or emergency issues. The approval timeline is typically 4-8 weeks from complete application submission, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Properties must comply with residential zoning requirements, and some neighborhoods may have additional restrictions, so verify zoning compliance before applying through the Planning and Zoning Department.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Marshfield, Wisconsin operate under the city's zoning ordinances and rental regulations, with the legal status generally permitting STRs in residential areas subject to specific requirements and restrictions. The city typically requires STR operators to obtain proper licensing and permits, comply with occupancy limits, maintain adequate parking, and ensure properties meet safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Marshfield generally prohibits or restricts STRs in certain residential zones to preserve neighborhood character, particularly in areas zoned for single-family homes, and may limit the number of guests and require owner registration with the city. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have included enhanced enforcement mechanisms and clearer definitions of what constitutes a short-term rental versus traditional lodging, with the city implementing stricter noise ordinances and neighbor notification requirements. Property owners must also comply with Wisconsin state tax requirements for transient accommodations and may face additional local taxes, while violations can result in fines and permit revocation, making it essential for operators to verify current regulations with Marshfield's Planning and Zoning Department before establishing STR operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Marshfield, Wisconsin include the downtown historic district near Central Avenue and 4th Street, which attracts visitors to the Marshfield Clinic and Medical Center - one of the largest healthcare systems in Wisconsin drawing medical tourists and business travelers year-round. The Upham Woods area and neighborhoods near the Wisconsin River offer scenic waterfront appeal for recreational visitors, especially during summer months when tourists come for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. Properties near the Marshfield Country Club and Wildwood Park & Zoo area are attractive for families visiting the zoo and attending youth sports tournaments at the various athletic complexes. The residential areas around Saint Joseph's Hospital also present opportunities due to medical travel, while neighborhoods near the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Marshfield campus cater to visiting academics, prospective students, and conference attendees. The Central Wisconsin State Fair grounds area sees seasonal demand during fair time in late August, and properties within walking distance of the downtown business district benefit from corporate travelers visiting local businesses and the growing agribusiness sector that Marshfield is known for in central Wisconsin.

In Marshfield, Wisconsin, Airbnb hosts are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax at 5% on lodging rentals, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days, and this tax must be collected from guests and remitted monthly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue if gross receipts exceed $4,000 annually. Additionally, hosts may be subject to Wood County's room tax of approximately 5-6%, which is collected on transient lodging accommodations and remitted quarterly to the county treasurer's office. The City of Marshfield may impose a local room tax of around 2-3% on short-term rentals, collected from guests and remitted monthly or quarterly depending on volume to the city clerk's office. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer (considered permanent residency), rentals to government employees on official business, and accommodations provided to certain tax-exempt organizations. Hosts earning over $600 annually must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, obtain a seller's permit, and file regular tax returns, while also potentially needing to register with local authorities and obtain appropriate business licenses or permits from the City of Marshfield.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Marshfield, Wisconsin is approximately $185,000-$225,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations costs $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration total $300-$800. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable cost $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900), cleaning supplies ($300), maintenance ($600), property management software ($180), and marketing ($400) total approximately $2,380. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a 10-15% contingency fund for unexpected expenses during the startup phase.

Airbnb properties in Marshfield, Wisconsin typically generate annual revenues between $8,000-$15,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management (10-15%), utilities ($150-$200 monthly), insurance ($800-$1,200 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $1,500-$2,500 per year. Properties near the Marshfield Clinic or downtown area command premium rates, with successful hosts like those operating renovated 3-bedroom homes reporting net profit margins of 25-35% after expenses. Key success factors include proximity to medical facilities (given Marshfield's healthcare hub status), professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and targeting business travelers and medical tourists who comprise roughly 60% of the market. Properties within walking distance of the clinic system can achieve occupancy rates of 65-75%, while those requiring drives see 45-55% occupancy, with peak demand during weekdays and medical conference periods generating the highest profitability for investors who purchased properties in the $120,000-$180,000 range between 2019-2022.

Based on Marshfield, Wisconsin market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near the Marshfield Clinic or downtown area tend to perform better, with investors seeing profitability within 18-24 months of operation. Average daily rates in Marshfield range from $85-120 for whole properties, with occupancy rates averaging 55-65% annually due to medical tourism from the Marshfield Clinic system and business travelers. Initial investment requirements typically range from $150,000-250,000 for suitable properties, with investors achieving break-even on renovations and furnishing costs within the first 2 years. The market benefits from consistent demand driven by the healthcare sector, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point proximity, and seasonal tourism, though winter months see reduced occupancy rates of 40-50% compared to summer peaks of 70-80%.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Marshfield, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents in the Marshfield area who work with Airbnb investors include Coldwell Banker Action Realty, RE/MAX Lyra, and Century 21 Gold Key Realty, with agents like those at Keller Williams North Central specializing in investment properties since around 2018. National services that assist with Airbnb property acquisition include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property analytics, BiggerPockets for investor networking, and Roofstock which expanded into short-term rental investments around 2020. RedAwning and Awning provide property management and acquisition services for vacation rental investors, while local property management companies like Central Wisconsin Property Management and Marshfield Property Solutions have adapted to serve Airbnb investors since approximately 2019. Investment firms such as Vacasa and AvantStay also help investors identify and manage profitable short-term rental properties in smaller Wisconsin markets, with local mortgage brokers at Associated Bank and Peoples State Bank offering specialized financing for investment properties in the Wood County area.