Is Moore, Montana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Moore, Montana, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Fergus County planning department, as Moore falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal regulations. Contact Fergus County at (406) 535-3642 to verify short-term rental requirements, which typically include business license registration and potential conditional use permits for residential properties used commercially. Obtain necessary permits including a Montana business license through the Secretary of State office, register for state lodging taxes with Montana Department of Revenue, and secure liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million. Find suitable property by searching rural listings in Moore area, focusing on properties with good road access since many roads can be challenging in winter, and ensure reliable internet connectivity as cell service can be spotty. Furnish the property with durable, western-themed décor appealing to tourists visiting nearby attractions like the Judith River and Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, include essential amenities like heating systems rated for Montana winters, backup power options, and detailed local information guides. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with high-quality photos showcasing Montana landscapes and emphasizing proximity to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Manage bookings by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in Lewistown (20 miles away), create detailed check-in instructions since you may not be physically present, maintain emergency contact lists for local services, and prepare for seasonal fluctuations with peak demand during hunting seasons (fall) and summer recreation months.

For identifying profitable STR properties in Moore, Montana, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of outdoor recreation areas like Glacier National Park access points, fishing spots along the Flathead River system, and ski areas, as these drive year-round demand with peak seasons in summer (June-September) and winter (December-March). Target 2-4 bedroom properties with rustic or modern mountain aesthetics, full kitchens, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, hot tubs, and reliable high-speed internet for remote workers, as these features command premium rates of $150-300+ per night depending on size and amenities. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties within 25 miles, aiming for properties that can achieve 60-70% occupancy rates with average daily rates 20-30% above long-term rental income to ensure profitability after expenses. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings in Kalispell, Whitefish, and surrounding areas to identify gaps in amenities or underserved price points, while using tools like STR Helper and Rabbu for market analysis specific to Flathead County. Leverage local resources including Flathead County planning department for zoning compliance, Northwest Montana Association of Realtors for property data, and connect with local property management companies like Glacier Country Properties or Flathead Vacation Rentals to understand operational costs and regulatory requirements in this rural Montana market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Moore, Montana, you'll need to contact the Fergus County Planning Department since Moore is an unincorporated community within Fergus County. Start by calling the Fergus County Courthouse at (406) 535-3411 or visiting their office at 712 W Main Street in Lewistown to inquire about short-term rental regulations and permit requirements. You'll likely need to submit a completed application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan or property survey, obtain liability insurance documentation (typically $1 million minimum), and pass a safety inspection covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency egress routes. Required documents typically include a business license application, zoning compliance verification, septic system approval if applicable, and neighbor notification forms. Expect to pay approximately $100-300 for the initial permit application fee, plus additional costs for inspections ($50-150) and annual renewal fees ($75-200). The timeline usually ranges from 30-60 days from application submission to permit approval, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Specific requirements for Moore may include adherence to rural zoning restrictions, adequate parking provisions, waste management plans for increased occupancy, and compliance with Montana state lodging facility regulations including guest registration requirements and occupancy limits based on septic system capacity.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Moore, Montana, as the state of Montana does not prohibit STRs at the state level and allows local municipalities to regulate them. Moore, being a very small unincorporated community in Fergus County with a population of fewer than 200 people, likely operates under county regulations rather than having its own municipal STR ordinances. Fergus County does not appear to have specific restrictions prohibiting STRs, though operators would need to comply with standard business licensing requirements, health and safety codes, and potentially zoning regulations that may limit commercial activities in residential areas. There have been no recent significant legal changes specifically affecting Moore, though Montana has seen increased STR activity statewide since 2020, prompting some larger cities like Bozeman and Missoula to implement registration requirements and occupancy limits. Property owners in Moore should verify current county zoning laws and obtain any necessary business licenses, but the rural nature and small size of the community means STR operations face fewer regulatory hurdles compared to larger Montana cities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Moore, Montana are concentrated around the Lewistown vicinity since Moore is a small unincorporated community in Fergus County. The Judith Basin area near Moore offers excellent opportunities due to its proximity to hunting and fishing activities, particularly around the Judith River and nearby mountain ranges, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The historic Lewistown downtown district, approximately 30 miles from Moore, provides strong rental potential due to business travelers visiting the regional medical facilities and government offices, plus tourists exploring the Central Montana Museum and local historic sites. Properties near the Charlie Russell Chew Choo dinner train route see seasonal demand from tourists experiencing this unique dining and entertainment attraction. The areas around Grass Range and Winnett, within reasonable driving distance of Moore, benefit from agricultural tourism and hunting seasons, particularly during fall when pheasant and deer hunting draw visitors from urban areas like Billings and Great Falls. Ranch properties or rural homes offering authentic Montana experiences perform well due to the region's appeal for agritourism, with guests seeking working ranch experiences, horseback riding, and stargazing opportunities away from city lights.

In Moore, Montana, Airbnb properties are subject to Montana's statewide lodging facility use tax of 3% on gross receipts, which applies to all accommodations rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Additionally, properties may be subject to local accommodation taxes that vary by jurisdiction, with some Montana municipalities imposing rates between 2-4% on short-term rentals. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system for the state portion, while local taxes may require separate collection and remittance by hosts depending on local agreements with Airbnb. Hosts must register with the Montana Department of Revenue and remit state taxes monthly if collections exceed $200 per month, or quarterly for smaller amounts, with returns due by the 15th of the following month or quarter. Local tax remittance procedures vary by municipality but generally follow similar monthly or quarterly schedules. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization bookings, though specific exemption criteria should be verified with local tax authorities as regulations can change frequently.

To start an Airbnb in Moore, Montana, expect total costs around $285,000-$315,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in rural Montana markets. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total around $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($200-$300 monthly), cleaning supplies and services ($150-$250 monthly), maintenance reserves ($100-$200 monthly), Airbnb platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $4,000-$7,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Moore, Montana typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 depending on property size and amenities, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 during peak summer months and $50-$90 in winter. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-$50 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near Glacier National Park or with unique features like hot tubs or mountain views achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% compared to basic properties at 35-50%, resulting in net profit margins of 20-40% for well-managed properties versus 5-15% for underperforming ones. Success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, strategic pricing during events like the Northwest Montana Fair, and partnerships with local activity providers, with top-performing hosts like those offering "glamping" experiences or renovated historic cabins reporting annual profits of $12,000-$18,000 on properties valued at $200,000-$350,000, yielding returns of 4-6% before considering property appreciation in Montana's growing short-term rental market.

Airbnb investments in Moore, Montana typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% for well-positioned properties near outdoor recreation areas and seasonal attractions. Properties in Moore generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $85-120 depending on property size and amenities, achieving occupancy rates of 45-65% annually due to Montana's growing tourism sector and proximity to recreational activities like fishing, hunting, and scenic drives. Initial investment costs average $180,000-280,000 for suitable properties, with annual gross rental income potential of $18,000-32,000 after accounting for seasonal fluctuations, property management fees of 15-25%, and maintenance costs averaging 8-12% of gross income.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including Moore, Montana. In the Bozeman-Helena region serving Moore, local real estate agents like those at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Montana Properties and ERA Landmark Real Estate have experience with vacation rental investments, while Coldwell Banker The Brokers and PureWest Real Estate offer market expertise in rural Montana markets. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides Airbnb investment analysis, Mashvisor for rental property analytics, and AirDNA for short-term rental market data. Local property management companies such as Big Sky Vacation Rentals and Montana Vacation Rentals can provide insights into profitable areas, while investment-focused firms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Montana properties. Regional mortgage brokers specializing in investment properties include First Security Bank of Montana and Stockman Bank, and local contractors experienced with vacation rental renovations can be found through the Montana Building Industry Association.