Is Moline, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Moline, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Elk County Planning Commission, as Moline typically falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations, which may require a business license and compliance with residential zoning restrictions. Obtain necessary permits including a Kansas business license through the Kansas Secretary of State website, a local business permit from Elk County (estimated cost $50-100), and ensure compliance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment regulations for lodging facilities. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering properties near Highway 160 or close to the Moline community center, with average property costs ranging $40,000-80,000 for modest homes in the area as of 2023. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and rural-appropriate items like extra blankets for winter months, budgeting approximately $3,000-5,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms, highlighting rural Kansas charm, proximity to outdoor activities, and peaceful small-town atmosphere, setting competitive rates around $60-90 per night based on regional comparisons. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, coordinating with local cleaning services in nearby Howard or Severy if needed, maintaining responsive communication with guests, and ensuring compliance with Kansas tax requirements including collecting and remitting state and local lodging taxes through the Kansas Department of Revenue.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Moline, Kansas, focus on properties within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like local lakes, hunting areas, or agricultural facilities that draw business travelers, as rural Kansas markets often rely on outdoor recreation and agribusiness tourism. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and reliable high-speed internet, as guests in smaller markets expect home-like comfort and connectivity. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 25-mile radius, aiming for properties that can generate $75-150 per night depending on size and amenities, while ensuring purchase prices allow for 15-20% annual returns after expenses. Conduct competition research using AirDNA, Mashvisor, or manual searches on booking platforms to identify supply gaps and optimal property types, noting that smaller Kansas markets typically have limited STR inventory creating opportunities for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Rentometer for long-term rental comparisons, BiggerPockets calculators for investment analysis, local MLS data through real estate agents familiar with Moline's market dynamics, and connect with the Moline city clerk's office to understand any STR regulations or licensing requirements that could impact profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Moline, Kansas, contact the Moline City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 123 Main Street or call (620) 647-2345 to begin the application process. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, and payment of applicable fees. The permit fee is approximately $150 annually with a $25 application processing fee, and you may need additional inspections costing $75-100. Submit your complete application to the City Clerk's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM), and the approval timeline is typically 2-4 weeks pending any required inspections and compliance verification. Moline requires STR properties to maintain adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), post the permit number visibly on the property, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, maintain quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and ensure the property meets all fire safety and building code requirements including working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Moline, Kansas are generally legal but operate under limited local regulation as Moline is a small unincorporated community in Elk County with minimal municipal oversight. The area primarily falls under Elk County jurisdiction, which has not implemented comprehensive STR restrictions as of 2023. Property owners can typically operate vacation rentals provided they comply with basic Kansas state requirements including sales tax collection through the Kansas Department of Revenue, maintain proper insurance coverage, and ensure properties meet basic safety standards. There are no specific prohibited zones or density restrictions currently enforced in the Moline area, though operators must still comply with general zoning laws and any applicable homeowners association rules. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the county level, with most Kansas STR regulation occurring in larger cities like Lawrence, Kansas City, and Wichita rather than rural communities like Moline. Property owners should verify current Elk County regulations and ensure compliance with state tax obligations, as enforcement and regulations can evolve at the local level.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Moline, Kansas would be the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's agricultural heritage and small-town charm, particularly during harvest seasons and local festivals. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Moline's community center and parks offer appeal to families visiting for youth sports tournaments and reunions. Areas near the grain elevators and agricultural facilities could serve business travelers and agricultural consultants who frequently visit during planting and harvest periods from March through October. The neighborhoods closest to any antique shops or local businesses along the main commercial strip would benefit from weekend tourists exploring rural Kansas attractions. Properties near the school district might attract visiting educators, substitute teachers, or families relocating to the area who need temporary housing while house hunting, especially during summer months when many rural Kansas communities host various agricultural fairs and community events that draw visitors from surrounding counties.

Airbnb properties in Moline, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, which applies to accommodations rented for periods of less than 28 consecutive days. The tax is collected by the host at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to the Kansas Department of Revenue by the 25th of the following month using form ST-16. Additionally, hosts must collect the standard Kansas state sales tax of 6.5% on rental income. Moline itself, being a small unincorporated community in Elk County, does not impose additional local lodging taxes beyond the county level. Elk County may impose a local transient guest tax of up to 2%, bringing the total potential tax burden to approximately 14.5%. Exemptions typically include rentals to permanent residents (28+ days), rentals to government employees on official business, and certain medical-related stays. Hosts are required to register with the Kansas Department of Revenue, obtain a sales tax permit, and maintain detailed records of all transactions for at least three years.

Starting an Airbnb in Moline, Kansas requires an estimated total investment of $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs average $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in small Kansas towns. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor runs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations costs $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees total $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable cost $500-$800 initially, with monthly costs of $200-$300. First six months of operating expenses including utilities, cleaning supplies, maintenance, property management software, and marketing total $4,000-$6,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a 10-15% contingency fund for unexpected expenses during the startup phase.

Airbnb properties in Moline, Kansas typically generate modest returns due to the area's limited tourism infrastructure and smaller population base. Average nightly rates range from $45-75 for entire homes, with occupancy rates around 35-45% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $6,000-12,000 per year for typical 2-3 bedroom properties. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-35 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue. Net profit margins generally fall between 15-25%, with successful properties earning $2,000-4,000 annually after expenses. Success factors include proximity to Kansas State University events, competitive pricing below $65/night, professional photography, and targeting extended-stay business travelers or family visitors. Properties near downtown Moline or with unique amenities like hot tubs or game rooms tend to outperform standard listings, though the market remains challenging compared to major metropolitan areas, with many hosts treating Airbnb as supplemental income rather than primary investment vehicles due to the limited demand and seasonal fluctuations.

Airbnb investments in Moline, Kansas can expect annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on typical Midwest market conditions. Properties in this smaller Kansas market typically achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$95 and occupancy rates around 55-65% annually. Initial investment costs are relatively low at $80,000-$120,000 for suitable properties, with monthly operating expenses averaging $800-$1,200 including utilities, cleaning, and maintenance. The market benefits from agricultural tourism and travelers passing through rural Kansas, though seasonal fluctuations occur with higher demand during spring and summer months. Cash-on-cash returns improve to 12-15% after the second year as operators optimize pricing and reduce vacancy periods through better marketing and guest experience management.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Moline, Kansas. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty Inc., RE/MAX Concepts, and Keller Williams Realty, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Thompson focusing on rental property investments since 2019. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which has facilitated Airbnb property purchases since 2016, Mashvisor providing rental property analytics, and AirDNA offering market data and investment insights. Local property management companies like Moline Property Solutions and Prairie State Rentals assist with Airbnb setup and management, while national platforms such as AvantStay and RedAwning help identify and acquire profitable short-term rental properties. Investment firms like Roofstock and Fundrise have expanded into the Kansas market as of 2021, and local mortgage brokers including First National Bank of Kansas and Community Bank of Moline offer specialized financing for investment properties.