Is McCall, Idaho Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in McCall, Idaho, begin by researching local regulations through the McCall City Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and has specific zoning restrictions limiting rentals to certain residential areas with a maximum of 30% of properties in any neighborhood being short-term rentals. Obtain the necessary business license from Valley County (approximately $50-100) and apply for a short-term rental permit from McCall City Hall (around $200-300 annually), ensuring compliance with fire safety codes, parking requirements (minimum 2 spaces), and occupancy limits typically capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Find a suitable property in approved zones like R-1 or R-2 residential areas, considering proximity to Payette Lake and downtown McCall for maximum appeal, with average property prices ranging $400,000-800,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with mountain-themed decor, essential amenities including high-speed internet, full kitchen appliances, linens for maximum occupancy, outdoor furniture for lake activities, and winter gear storage given McCall's ski season from December to March. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography highlighting lake views, ski access, and outdoor activities, setting competitive rates of $150-400 per night depending on season and property size, with peak rates during Brundage Mountain ski season and summer lake activities. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services (typically $80-150 per turnover), maintenance contractors familiar with mountain climate challenges, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning which operate in the McCall area and charge 20-35% commission but handle guest communication, cleaning coordination, and maintenance issues.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in McCall, Idaho, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of Payette Lake, near downtown McCall, or with mountain/lake views, as these command premium rates year-round due to skiing, boating, and outdoor recreation demand. Target 3-4 bedroom cabins or homes with 2+ bathrooms, hot tubs, fireplaces, and parking for multiple vehicles, as groups of 6-12 guests generate highest revenue per night ($200-500+ depending on season). Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to track seasonal rate fluctuations, with peak winter (December-March) and summer (June-September) rates often 2-3x higher than shoulder seasons. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within 5-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize STR-specific tools like Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local property management companies like McCall Property Management or Brundage Real Estate for market insights, while connecting with McCall Chamber of Commerce and Valley County planning department for zoning regulations and permit requirements that affect STR viability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in McCall, Idaho, you must first contact the McCall Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 216 East Park Street to submit a Conditional Use Permit application, as short-term rentals require special approval in most residential zones. Required documents include a completed CUP application form, site plan showing parking areas and property layout, proof of property ownership or authorization letter from owner, floor plans indicating maximum occupancy, waste management plan, and neighborhood notification affidavit. The application fee is approximately $500-800 for the Conditional Use Permit process, with additional fees for public hearings if required. You must also obtain a business license from the city clerk's office for around $50-100 annually and register with the Idaho State Tax Commission for lodging tax collection. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days from application submission to approval, including a mandatory public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission. McCall-specific requirements include maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity, adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), compliance with fire safety codes including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, noise ordinance compliance with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and maintaining a local contact person available 24/7 for emergencies. Properties must also meet all building and health codes, and owners are required to collect and remit both state lodging taxes and local option taxes to Valley County.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in McCall, Idaho, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. McCall requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that limit rentals primarily to resort and commercial zones, while residential zones have more stringent requirements including conditional use permits. The city implemented a cap on the total number of STR permits available and requires properties to meet safety standards, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Recent changes around 2021-2022 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased fees for violations, with the city responding to community concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character. Properties must have designated local contacts available 24/7 for issues, and violations can result in permit revocation. The regulations aim to balance tourism revenue with preserving residential neighborhoods, and McCall continues to monitor and adjust its STR policies as the vacation rental market evolves in this popular resort destination.

The best Airbnb investment areas in McCall, Idaho include the Payette Lake waterfront district, which commands premium rates due to direct lake access and stunning views attracting summer boaters and winter sports enthusiasts; the Village area near downtown McCall offering walkability to restaurants, shops, and the public beach while maintaining strong year-round occupancy from both leisure travelers and business visitors to local conferences; the Brundage Mountain vicinity capitalizing on ski season demand from December through March with properties often booking months in advance; the Mill Park neighborhood providing a balance of affordability and proximity to recreational activities like the McCall Golf Course and hiking trails; and the Warren Wagon Road corridor offering newer construction opportunities with easy highway access appealing to families visiting nearby state parks and attending events like the McCall Winter Carnival in February, with these areas collectively benefiting from McCall's position as a four-season destination serving Boise-area residents seeking weekend retreats, summer lake activities, winter skiing, and corporate retreats at venues like Shore Lodge.

McCall, Idaho imposes a 7% lodging tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which is collected by the City of McCall in addition to Idaho's 6% state sales tax and 2% state lodging tax, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 15%. The lodging tax applies to rentals of 30 days or less and is typically collected directly from guests by the property owner or management company at the time of booking or check-in. Property owners must register with the City of McCall, obtain a business license, and remit collected taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month using the city's online portal or by submitting paper forms with payment. The state taxes are remitted separately to the Idaho State Tax Commission on a monthly basis if gross receipts exceed $100 per month, otherwise quarterly filing is permitted. Exemptions may apply to rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though documentation is required. Valley County may also impose an additional resort tax of approximately 1-2% depending on the specific location within McCall's jurisdiction, and property owners are responsible for understanding all applicable local, county, and state tax obligations as rates and procedures can change annually.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in McCall, Idaho is approximately $850,000-$950,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $750,000-$850,000 based on McCall's median home prices for vacation rental suitable properties. Furnishing costs range $25,000-$35,000 for a complete 3-bedroom mountain home setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, vacation rental permit, and city registration fees cost approximately $1,500-$2,500 annually. Insurance for short-term rental coverage runs $3,000-$4,000 per year. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $400-$500 monthly or $2,400-$3,000 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, property management software, and marketing total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees of $200-$400 monthly and emergency repair fund of $5,000-$10,000 for mountain property maintenance.

Airbnb properties in McCall, Idaho demonstrate strong profitability potential with average annual revenues ranging from $35,000-$65,000 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, driven by the area's year-round appeal as a ski destination in winter and lake recreation hub in summer. Operating expenses typically run 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-125 per turnover), property management (20-25% if outsourced), utilities ($200-400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-5,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of Payette Lake or downtown McCall command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak seasons (December-February and June-August) compared to $100-200 in shoulder seasons. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, local activity partnerships, and maintaining ski equipment storage or lake gear amenities. A typical 3-bedroom lakefront property purchased for $800,000 in 2022 generates approximately $55,000 annual revenue with $25,000 in expenses, yielding a 3.75% cash-on-cash return before mortgage considerations, while properties further from the lake show 15-20% lower revenue but maintain similar expense ratios, making McCall's Airbnb market moderately profitable for well-positioned properties with strong management.

Airbnb investments in McCall, Idaho typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's strong tourism demand driven by Brundage Mountain ski resort and Payette Lake recreational activities. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near the lake or ski access commanding premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak seasons (December-March and June-September). Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with vacation rental management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning reporting occupancy rates of 65-75% for well-positioned properties. The market benefits from McCall's limited lodging inventory and consistent demand from Boise metropolitan area visitors, with average daily rates increasing 6-8% annually since 2019, making properties purchased under $800,000 particularly attractive for short-term rental conversion with expected break-even occurring in the second operational year.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in McCall, Idaho. Local real estate agents who focus on investment properties in the McCall area include Brundage Real Estate, McCall Real Estate Company, and agents from Tamarack Resort Realty who understand the vacation rental market dynamics around Brundage Mountain and Payette Lake. National services that help investors find Airbnb properties include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property analytics, BiggerPockets for networking and deal sourcing, and Roofstock which occasionally features short-term rental properties. Local property management companies like McCall Property Management and Payette Lake Vacation Rentals can provide insights into profitable areas and may know of upcoming investment opportunities. Additional national platforms include Awning for Airbnb-specific investment analysis, RedfinNow for quick property acquisition, and LoopNet for commercial and investment properties, while local services might include Valley County economic development resources and regional investment groups focused on Idaho's recreational property markets.