Is Minong, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Minong, Wisconsin, begin by researching local regulations through Washburn County and the City of Minong offices, as Wisconsin generally allows short-term rentals but local municipalities may have specific zoning requirements, occupancy limits, and registration processes that typically cost $50-200 annually. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Minong City Hall, Wisconsin seller's permit for tax collection, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and building inspections which may require smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit signage. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering proximity to area attractions like the Namekagon River, ATV trails, and fishing spots, with properties typically ranging from $80,000-250,000 in the Minong area. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture focusing on outdoor recreation themes, including quality bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and amenities like fishing gear storage or ATV parking that appeal to the area's tourism market. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photos highlighting the natural surroundings, competitive pricing around $75-150 per night depending on size and amenities, and detailed descriptions emphasizing outdoor activities and proximity to lakes and trails. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating with local cleaning services (likely costing $75-125 per turnover), maintaining the property year-round including winter heating considerations, and collecting Wisconsin's 5.5% state sales tax plus any local room taxes that Washburn County may impose.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Minong, Wisconsin, focus on waterfront locations near Nancy Lake, Minong Flowage, or other area lakes, as these command premium rates of $150-300+ per night during peak summer months. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes built after 1980 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, WiFi, hot tubs, fire pits, and boat access, as outdoor recreation drives 70% of bookings from May through October. Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify the $80-180 nightly rate sweet spot, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within 10-mile radius to find gaps in luxury or budget segments. Leverage local resources like Washburn County tourism data, Douglas County lake association websites, and connect with Minong area realtors familiar with STR regulations, as the town's proximity to Duluth-Superior metro area (45 minutes) and Minneapolis (2.5 hours) creates strong weekend and vacation demand. Properties within walking distance of downtown Minong's restaurants and shops, or those offering unique features like private docks, large group capacity, or pet-friendly amenities typically achieve 65-80% occupancy rates and 12-18% annual returns.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Minong, Wisconsin, you must first contact the Washburn County Zoning Department at 715-468-4600 or visit their office at 10 4th Avenue in Shell Lake, as Minong falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system compliance certificate, well water testing results if applicable, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), emergency contact information, and a site plan showing parking areas. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $100-125. You must also register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for room tax collection and obtain a seller's permit. The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days after submitting a complete application. Specific Minong requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy based on septic capacity, providing adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), ensuring compliance with residential zoning setbacks, having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, posting emergency contact information prominently, and adhering to quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM. Properties must also meet all building and fire codes, and owners are required to respond to complaints within 2 hours and be available 24/7 or designate a local representative.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Minong, Wisconsin, as the small town in Washburn County does not appear to have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with Wisconsin state regulations including sales tax collection and remittance to the Department of Revenue, and potentially obtain a seller's permit. Washburn County may have zoning restrictions that could limit STRs in certain residential areas, and properties must meet basic safety and health standards. Given Minong's location in a popular lake region near the Chequamegon National Forest, STRs are likely viewed as supporting tourism, though operators should verify current local zoning compliance and may need to register with platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Recent statewide trends show increasing regulation of STRs, so local ordinances could change, and property owners should check with Washburn County and Minong's clerk office for the most current requirements regarding permits, occupancy limits, and any noise or parking restrictions that may apply.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Minong, Wisconsin are concentrated around the lakefront districts near Nancy Lake and surrounding chain of lakes, which attract summer tourists, fishing enthusiasts, and families seeking cabin rentals from May through September. The downtown Minong area along Highway 53 offers potential for business travelers and visitors to the nearby St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, established as a protected waterway in 1968. Properties near the Minong Flowage and connecting waterways are particularly attractive due to year-round recreation including ice fishing, snowmobiling, and ATV trails that draw visitors during both summer and winter seasons. The residential areas within walking distance of local restaurants and the historic Minong depot area appeal to tourists interested in the region's logging history and those attending local events like summer festivals. Investment properties near boat launches and public access points to the extensive lake system command premium rates, especially during peak fishing seasons for muskie, bass, and walleye, with many guests booking extended stays for fishing tournaments and family reunions at lakeside locations.

Airbnb properties in Minong, Wisconsin are subject to Wisconsin state sales tax of 5% and room tax of 5%, totaling 10% on lodging rentals. Washburn County imposes an additional room tax of 3%, bringing the total occupancy tax to 13%. These taxes apply to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for most jurisdictions, though hosts should verify coverage. Hosts must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and obtain a seller's permit, then remit taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month using Form ST-12. County room taxes are typically remitted to Washburn County separately on a monthly basis. Exemptions include rentals to permanent residents (30+ days), certain government employees on official business, and sales to tax-exempt organizations with proper documentation. Hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections, as Wisconsin requires documentation for at least four years and conducts periodic audits of short-term rental operators.

Starting an Airbnb in Minong, Wisconsin requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on median home prices in rural Wisconsin lake communities like Minong. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor equipment for the area's recreational activities. Initial setup costs total $3,000-5,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations. Permits and fees amount to $500-1,500 including business licenses, short-term rental permits from Washburn County, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance increases by $1,200-2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits cost $500-800 for electricity, water, internet, and propane if applicable. First six months operating costs total $8,000-12,000 including utilities ($200-300/month), cleaning services ($75-100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($300-500/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses, assuming 40-60% occupancy rates typical for seasonal lake properties in northern Wisconsin.

Airbnb properties in Minong, Wisconsin, typically generate modest profitability due to the area's seasonal tourism patterns centered around lake activities and outdoor recreation. Properties near Minong Lake and surrounding recreational areas can expect average nightly rates of $80-150 during peak summer months (June-August), with occupancy rates around 60-70%, generating approximately $15,000-25,000 in annual revenue for a 2-3 bedroom cabin or lakefront property. Operating expenses typically include property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($200-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance/supplies ($2,000-4,000 yearly), resulting in total expenses of roughly $8,000-12,000 annually. This yields net profit margins of 35-55% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts focusing on lakefront locations, outdoor amenities like fire pits and kayaks, and targeting fishing enthusiasts and families seeking lake vacations. Properties within walking distance of Minong Lake or featuring private water access command premium rates and achieve higher occupancy, while inland properties rely more heavily on competitive pricing and unique amenities to maintain profitability in this rural Wisconsin market.

Airbnb investments in Minong, Wisconsin typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to recreational lakes and seasonal tourism patterns. Properties near Lake Minong and surrounding waterfront areas command premium nightly rates of $120-180 during peak summer months (June-August) and fall foliage season, while winter rates drop to $80-120 per night. Initial investment costs for suitable properties range from $150,000-250,000, with investors typically reaching profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for renovation costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The market benefits from consistent demand from fishing enthusiasts, hunters, and families seeking lake vacations, though occupancy rates fluctuate seasonally from 70-85% in summer to 35-50% in winter months. Annual gross rental income typically ranges from $25,000-40,000 for well-positioned properties, with net returns after expenses, property management, and maintenance costs averaging 8-11% annually for investors who actively manage their properties and maintain high guest satisfaction ratings.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Minong, Wisconsin. For local expertise, Northwoods Realty Group and Century 21 Burkett & Associates serve the Minong area and have experience with vacation rental properties given the region's proximity to lakes and recreational areas. RE/MAX Northland and Coldwell Banker Mulleady have agents familiar with investment properties in northwestern Wisconsin. National services include Mashvisor for market analysis, AirDNA for short-term rental data, Awning for full-service Airbnb investment management, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and education. Local property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning can help manage Airbnb properties once purchased. Given Minong's location near numerous lakes including Lake Minong and its proximity to outdoor recreation, local agents at Edina Realty and Keller Williams may also have relevant experience with vacation rental investments in the area.