Is Mineral Point, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning ordinances and short-term rental regulations through the Mineral Point City Hall, as Wisconsin municipalities typically require business licenses and may have specific STR permits costing around $50-200 annually. Contact Iowa County for any county-level requirements and ensure compliance with Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services fire safety codes. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through Century 21 or Coldwell Banker offices in the area, focusing on historic properties near downtown or scenic rural locations, with average home prices ranging $150,000-300,000. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Mineral Point City Clerk, potential conditional use permits if in residential zones, and ensure the property meets Wisconsin's rental housing code requirements. Furnish the space with quality furniture from nearby Madison retailers like Ashley HomeStore or local antique shops, emphasizing the area's mining heritage and historic charm, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting Mineral Point's historic architecture and proximity to attractions like Pendarvis Historic Site and local art galleries. Implement management systems using tools like Hospitable or Guesty for automated messaging, coordinate cleaning services through local providers, establish relationships with Mineral Point maintenance contractors, and consider hiring local co-hosts if managing remotely, while maintaining competitive pricing around $80-150 per night depending on property size and amenities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, focus on properties within walking distance of the historic downtown district and Pendarvis historic site, as these areas attract tourists interested in the town's lead mining heritage and artisan community. Target 2-3 bedroom homes or cottages built in the 1800s-early 1900s with original character features like limestone construction, hardwood floors, and period details, while ensuring modern amenities like updated kitchens, reliable WiFi, and parking are present. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in Mineral Point and surrounding areas like Dodgeville and Spring Green, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can command $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities. Conduct competition research using AirDNA and STR analytics tools to assess occupancy rates and seasonal demand patterns, noting that peak seasons likely coincide with summer tourism, fall foliage, and Mineral Point's art tour events. Utilize resources like the Wisconsin Department of Tourism data, Mineral Point Chamber of Commerce visitor statistics, and local real estate platforms like MLS through agents familiar with the area, while also monitoring Facebook groups for Mineral Point residents and investors to gauge local sentiment and regulations regarding short-term rentals.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, contact the Mineral Point City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 139 High Street or call (608) 987-3201 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 floor plan of the rental unit, obtain a certificate of occupancy inspection from the building inspector, provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), and include contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. Required documents also include a site plan showing parking areas, trash collection details, and emergency contact information posted in the rental unit. 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 scheduling inspections and any required corrections. Mineral Point requires STR properties to maintain adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, and ensure proper waste management with approved containers. Properties must also comply with all zoning regulations, with STRs generally permitted in residential districts but subject to spacing requirements that may limit density in certain neighborhoods.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, but are subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions implemented by the city. As of recent years, Mineral Point has established licensing requirements for STR operators, requiring permits and compliance with safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and occupancy limits. The city typically restricts STRs in certain residential zones to preserve neighborhood character, with some areas potentially prohibited entirely from commercial lodging activities. Operators must collect and remit local room taxes, maintain property standards, and often face limitations on the number of guests and parking requirements. Recent legal changes around 2020-2022 have included more formalized permitting processes and stricter enforcement of existing regulations, reflecting the city's effort to balance tourism revenue with residential community concerns. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain proper licensing through the Mineral Point city clerk's office before operating any short-term rental business.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Mineral Point, Wisconsin are the Historic Downtown District centered around High Street and Commerce Street, which attracts tourists year-round due to its well-preserved 1800s architecture, antique shops, art galleries, and proximity to Pendarvis Historic Site. The Shake Rag Alley area is particularly valuable as it hosts the annual Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts workshops and events, drawing artists and cultural tourists from across the Midwest. Properties near the Mineral Point Railroad Depot and Museum benefit from heritage tourism and the town's connection to the Military Ridge State Trail, attracting cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. The residential areas along Maiden Rock and Pleasant Street offer quieter accommodations while remaining walkable to downtown attractions, appealing to families and couples seeking authentic small-town experiences. The proximity to Governor Dodge State Park (about 20 minutes away) makes these locations attractive for outdoor recreation visitors, while the town's designation as a Wisconsin Historic District and its Cornish heritage sites create consistent demand from cultural tourists and weekend visitors from Madison and Milwaukee metropolitan areas.

Airbnb properties in Mineral Point, Wisconsin are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax at 5% and room tax at 5%, totaling 10% on lodging stays. Iowa County imposes an additional room tax of 3%, bringing the total occupancy tax to 13%. These taxes apply to all short-term rental stays under 30 consecutive days. Wisconsin requires hosts to register for a seller's permit through the Department of Revenue and collect taxes at the time of booking, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month for properties with regular bookings. The city of Mineral Point may impose additional local lodging taxes up to 8%, though current rates are estimated at 2-3%. Airbnb typically collects and remits state and local taxes automatically for hosts in Wisconsin through their platform since 2019, but hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance and may need to file returns even when Airbnb handles collection. Exemptions include stays over 30 days, certain government and non-profit travelers, and properties rented fewer than 10 days per year, though documentation is required for exempt transactions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Mineral Point, Wisconsin is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on the median home price in this historic small town. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor suitable for guests. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential zoning compliance cost $500-$1,200 annually. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,200-$2,000 per year above standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 monthly or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), supplies, maintenance, platform fees (3% of bookings), marketing, and miscellaneous expenses total approximately $3,000-$5,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates and average daily rates of $80-$120 typical for rural Wisconsin markets.

Airbnb properties in Mineral Point, Wisconsin typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near historic downtown or with unique features like restored Victorian homes achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% annually, while standard properties average 45-60% occupancy. Success factors include proximity to Pendarvis Historic Site, Shake Rag Alley arts center, and the scenic countryside that attracts weekend tourists from Madison and Milwaukee. A typical 3-bedroom historic property generating $28,000 annually with $16,000 in expenses yields approximately 43% profit margins, though seasonal fluctuations significantly impact cash flow with peak months (May-October) generating 70% of annual revenue. Properties owned by hosts like those managing multiple units through companies such as Vacasa or local property management firms tend to achieve better optimization and higher net profits of $12,000-$18,000 annually per property.

Based on Mineral Point, Wisconsin market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and financing structure. Properties in this historic mining town benefit from tourism related to Pendarvis Historic Site and local arts scene, with average daily rates of $85-120 during peak seasons (May-October) and occupancy rates of 55-70%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, factoring in startup costs of $15,000-25,000 for furnishing and property improvements. Properties purchased under $200,000 with 25% down payments show stronger cash-on-cash returns of 8-10%, while higher-end properties over $300,000 may see returns closer to 6-8% but benefit from appreciation in this growing arts destination market.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties including in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents in the area who work with investors include Realtors from Century 21 Affiliated in nearby Dodgeville and RE/MAX Heritage in Platteville who serve the Mineral Point market. Awning, a national service, provides Airbnb investment property analysis and management services for Wisconsin markets. BiggerPockets marketplace connects investors with local agents experienced in rental properties throughout Wisconsin. Mashvisor offers market analysis tools for short-term rental investments in smaller Wisconsin markets like Mineral Point. Local property management companies such as Wisconsin Dells-based vacation rental managers may extend services to the Mineral Point area given its proximity to tourist attractions. RedAwning provides vacation rental investment consulting services nationally including Wisconsin markets. Local mortgage brokers and lenders in the Madison area, approximately 45 minutes away, often work with investors purchasing properties in Mineral Point for short-term rental purposes. AirDNA provides market data and analytics for Airbnb investments in Wisconsin markets including smaller towns like Mineral Point.